Chinese contractors operating in Malaysia must play by local rules and develop in a “sustainable” way, according to ambassador Bai Tian, who on Tuesday urged mainland firms to not just strengthen cooperation but also explore “new models and new ideas” when innovating. We must adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win Bai Tian, China’s ambassador to Malaysia “We must adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win,” said the envoy to Malaysia, when delivering the keynote address at a seminar on guidelines for Chinese contractors in the Southeast Asian nation. Bai explained that Chinese contractors had to “fully respect and take care of the interests of local governments and enterprises”, including complying with local laws, regulations and religious practices. Chinese in Malaysia told not to protest amid ‘investment scam’ anger “Malaysia is a multiracial, multicultural country. Our companies should pay attention to words and deeds in respect of local exchanges and respect local customs and religions,” he said at the seminar, which was jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Bai told Chinese contractors to pay close attention to changes in relevant policies and regulations, as well as strengthen communication with Malaysians, promote local employment and pay particular attention to environmental protection. CIDB chief executive Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid echoed the need for cooperation and for local regulatory bodies to be a bridge between foreign contractors and local players. Malaysia bans controversial belt and road comic for cultural insensitivity, promoting communism “It is critical that you become well versed with the current legal requirements so that all of your construction activities can be carried out smoothly,” he told participants, adding that contractors from China had the highest number and value of projects in Malaysia among all foreign companies. Over the past two years, Chinese contractors carried out 264 projects worth a total of 31 billion ringgit (US$7.4 billion) in Malaysia’s construction sector – a key industry for its economic development. The Southeast Asian nation has been vying to become a preferred destination for high value-added foreign direct investments, including from China, its largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China climbed 13 per cent to US$108.6 billion in 2018. It has also been a vocal advocate of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, anticipating economic spin-offs from projects such as the East Coast Rail Link which is backed by the China Communications Construction Company.