The forum was officially opened by President Xi Jinping who mooted the idea for the initiative in 2013.

Malaysia is among the strategic nations in Southeast Asia in the massive plan by China to mobilise the Belt and Road concept to boost economic cooperation between the countries.

Among the world leaders attending the forum are President Vladimir Putin (Russia), Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (Italy), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey) and President Joko Widodo (Indonesia).

Malaysian cabinet ministers attending the event are Second International Trade and Industry Minister Ong Ka Chuan, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Wee Ka Siong.

The Malaysian Government’s special representative to China Ong Ka Ting was also present at the event held at the Chinese National Convention Centre (CNCC).

Malaysia’s commitment to the initiative resulted in several multi-billion ringgit infrastructure projects, such as the construction of railway tracks and ports being started.