27- 28 June 2019, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

The third in a series of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Conferences was co-organized by MIMA and China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS) in Kuantan, Pahang. Themed, "Shaping a Closer China-ASEAN Shared Future", the workshop gathered national and regional participants to assess the BRI from a global perspective, its economic benefits and to address gaps for a win-win development.

The conference was divided into three sessions in the span of two days. YBrs. Dr. Rizal b. Abdul Kadir, Acting Director General of MIMA, and Major General (Retd) Gong Xianfu, Vice Chairman of CIISS, delivered the Welcoming Remarks.

YBrs. Dr. Rizal b. Abdul Kadir, Acting Director General of MIMA exchanging a memento with Major General (Retd) Gong Xianfu, Vice Chairman of CIISS

BRI opening session

The sessions analyzed and explored fresh perspectives on opportunities, challenges, and recommendations towards advancing quality cooperation in BRI. Speakers elaborated on ways to boost BRI connectivity, economic development, and enhancing mutual trust for both ASEAN and China under BRI. The discussions not only emphasized the infrastructure and economic development of BRI, it also explored other fundamental aspects such as the environment and societal perspective in long term developments.

In his closing remarks, YBrs. Dr. Rizal b. Abdul Kadir highlighted the role of the BRI as a tool to provide new momentum on prospering the region, by building on existing ASEAN initiatives to develop the ASEAN community.

A field visit to the Kuantan Port was also organized – representatives from IJM briefed delegates on the background of Kuantan Port and its New Deepwater Terminal, as well as the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park.

During discussion at Kuantan Port Authority

Delegates gather for a group photo at the Kuantan Port

Overall, the workshop achieved its objectives by creating new ideas and acting as a catalyst for debate. It enriched discourse among participants by exploring various perspectives on BRI at the national and regional level.