DPM Zahid to lead Malaysian delegation on five-day China working visit

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will lead a five-day working visit to China, starting from October 12 to 16, to bolster bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, technology, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad revealed that the itinerary includes meetings with Chinese government officials in Beijing and a conference in Tianjin.

The Beijing meetings commence with a bilateral session with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, followed by discussions with Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong, as well as engagements with trade entities to explore potential economic cooperation opportunities. The October 15 meeting at the Great Hall of the People is expected to cover efforts to deepen existing cooperation and discover new prospects in investment, technology, and human capital and talent development, encompassing TVET.

Norman further explained that discussions will cover the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, telecommunications, trade, renewable energy, and science and technology. Additionally, both nations are anticipated to deliberate on their shared dedication to regional peace and stability via the Asean-China framework and tackling global concerns of mutual concern.

During his tenure in Tianjin, Ahmad Zahid, who serves as the National TVET Council chairman, is set to present a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 on October 16. As the highest-ranking foreign government representative at the conference, Ahmad Zahid, alongside senior officials from various ministries, will join 21 ministers and deputy ministers from other countries, alongside over 100 nations.

This visit comes after Malaysia's trade with China increased by 35.1% to RM456.68 billion from January to August 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.