KUALA LUMPUR, October 29, 2025 – Malaysia and China reaffirmed their deepening economic and financial partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), pledging stronger connectivity across capital markets, sustainable finance, and green innovation during a high-level conference attended by key industry leaders and policymakers from across Asia.
The event, jointly hosted by Bursa Malaysia and CGS International Securities Malaysia, gathered representatives from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Russia, and several Belt and Road economies, collectively managing over US$100 billion in assets.
In his opening remarks, Bursa Malaysia CEO Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed highlighted the exchange’s vision to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally connected capital market, emphasizing collaboration and innovation as the cornerstones of Malaysia’s role within Asia’s financial ecosystem.
“Malaysia is committed to advancing regional capital market connectivity, expanding investor access, and promoting sustainable growth. Linking capital markets across borders can unlock investment flows and drive economic growth for all partners,” he said.
Expanding Regional Financial Linkages
Bursa Malaysia’s CEO Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed underscored ongoing initiatives to enhance cross-border investment opportunities. He cited the recognition of the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, Shanghai Futures Exchange, and Shanghai International Exchange as approved exchanges in Malaysia, a move that allows Malaysian investors to access specific Chinese futures products through local brokers.
Additionally, Bursa Malaysia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fullgoal Asset Management (Hong Kong) and CGS Malaysia to facilitate the listing of foreign underlying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the local exchange. These collaborations, he said, “broaden investment options for both local and foreign investors and demonstrate how financial instruments can connect markets positively.”
Sustainability and the ASEAN Carbon Framework
A strong thread throughout his address was Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable finance. Bursa Malaysia’s Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), the world’s first Shariah-compliant voluntary carbon market, continues to play a pivotal role in enabling companies to trade high-quality carbon credits and renewable energy certificates.
“Capital markets are vital in mobilising sustainable finance,” he noted, adding that Bursa Carbon Exchange is open to international participation and aligns with China’s Green Belt and Road ambitions.
He also revealed that under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, one of the key contributions was the conceptualisation of the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework, aimed at harmonising carbon markets and scaling high-quality credits across the region.
YB Lim Hui Ying: Belt and Road as a Platform for Prosperity
In her keynote speech, Deputy Minister of Finance Lim Hui Ying emphasised that the Belt and Road Initiative continues to be a vital engine for economic partnership between Malaysia and China, aligned with the Madani Economy Framework and Malaysia’s vision for sustainable, high-value growth.
“Over the past 12 years, the Belt and Road cooperation has delivered measurable results,” she said. “Trade between Malaysia and China has grown from RM181 billion in 2012 to RM484 billion in 2024, with China remaining our largest trading partner.”
She outlined transformative infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), spanning 665 kilometres and connecting Malaysia’s east and west coasts, and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, which have enhanced logistics, created jobs, and attracted new investments in manufacturing, steel, and high-technology sectors.
“These are not just construction projects, they are gateways for Chinese enterprises to invest and for Malaysian companies to expand regionally,” she added.
Digital, Green, and Financial Cooperation
YB Lim also highlighted Malaysia’s growing role as a digital hub for Southeast Asia, with rising investments in data centres, AI, and cloud services. She pointed to the synergy between China’s platform economy and Malaysia’s young, tech-savvy population as a foundation for deeper cooperation in digital trade, fintech, and cybersecurity.
Beyond digital collaboration, renewable energy and green technology remain high on the bilateral agenda. Malaysia, rich in solar and hydro resources, is attracting new investments in electric vehicles, battery storage, and clean energy infrastructure, areas where Chinese companies are already contributing expertise.
“The Belt and Road Initiative offers a strong platform to scale up clean investments and green finance,” YB Lim said. “Together, Malaysia and China can pioneer circular economy solutions and accelerate the clean energy transition.”
Toward a More Integrated Capital Market Future
Both leaders reaffirmed that Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, built on sound governance and Islamic finance leadership, is ready to contribute as a partner of substance in the Belt and Road’s next phase.
Through frameworks such as the ASEAN Interconnected Sustainability Ecosystem, Bursa Malaysia and regional exchanges are developing a centralized ESG data infrastructure to enhance transparency and attract responsible investments.
“As the Belt and Road enters its next phase, Malaysia stands ready to contribute not only as a hub for Islamic capital but also as a source of technical and financial innovation,” the Bursa CEO said.
YB Lim echoed this sentiment, calling on investors and entrepreneurs to “see Malaysia not only as a partner, but as a strategic hub in ASEAN”, one that offers stability, access, and innovation in equal measure.
The Ledger Asia View
As the Belt and Road Initiative moves into a new stage of high-quality, integrated development, Malaysia’s position, balancing between China’s scale and ASEAN’s growth, becomes increasingly strategic. From carbon markets to digital finance, and from Islamic capital instruments to AI-driven exchanges, Kuala Lumpur is positioning itself as a regional bridge for the next generation of sustainable capital flows.
The conversations from this forum underline not just connectivity, but convergence, where finance, sustainability, and technology are aligned under a shared Asian future.
