On 28 April 2026, Consul General Mr. Ahmad Phadil Ismail participated in the Liaison Officials’ Meeting (LOM) for the 23rd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), at the Grand Metro Park Hotel Nanning. The meeting was graced by H.E. Liu Jiannan, Vice Chairman of CCPIT and H.E. Lu Xinning, Vice Governor of Guangxi People’s Government.
The LOM, held annually, serves as a high-level consultative mechanism on ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN through the platform of CABIS. At the meeting, the participants were briefed by Ms. Yang Yanyan, Chairperson of CCPIT Guangxi Committee on the priorities and major events of the 2026 CABIS, including opening ceremony, parallel fora, supporting economic and trade events and several AI-themed side events.
During the meeting, the Consul General reaffirmed Malaysia’s long-standing and strategic partnership with China underpinned by robust cooperation, high-level visits and shared commitment to mutual growth. He then highlighted Malaysia’s strong investment performance in 2025 and the emerging areas of cooperation between the two countries, including the high-end manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and green economy.
In particular, he underscored the significant outcomes delivered during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, notably the hosting of the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit that creates a more resilient supply chain beyond the traditional Western-centric trade routes, and the formal signing of the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area or ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. He welcomed the progress made by ASEAN and China in digital cooperation that driven by ACFTA 3.0 and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
He further emphasised Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to supporting the 23rd CABIS and welcomed its strategic pivot toward emerging sectors, a move that aligns with Malaysia’s goal of attracting more investment in technology driven sectors, namely digital economy, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
Apart from the Consul General, the meeting was also joined by representatives from National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM). Mr. Goh Boon Kim, Deputy Secretary-General of NCCIM stressed on the importance of enhancing economic collaboration between Malaysia and China from the perspectives of business community.
Following the meeting, the participants were treated to a luncheon hosted by the Vice Governor. Also in attendance were Mr. Pang Wei Han, Deputy Trade Consul of Malaysia in Guangzhou, diplomats and business representatives from ASEAN countries.