Chinese contractors in Malaysia must play by local rules, develop sustainably: ambassador
- Bai Tian also urged mainland firms to fully respect and take care of the interests of local governments and enterprises
- Over the past two years, Chinese contractors have carried out 264 projects worth a total of US$7.4 billion in Malaysia’s construction sector
We must adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win
“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.
“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.
“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.