September 16th, 2025

(From www.peopledailynews.eu) Recently, at the invitation of several institutions in ASEAN countries, Xiao Wunan, Executive Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF) and Special Advisor to the China Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation Enterprises Association, led a Chinese enterprise delegation on multiple inspection and exchange visits to Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Constructive exchanges were held with ASEAN organizations, local governments, chambers of commerce, and professional institutions in relevant fields on issues related to Chinese enterprises "going global". Broad consensus was reached, and a series of cooperation agreements were signed, opening a new era for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.

During the visit to Malaysia, the delegation visited the New Silk Road International Research Center Snd. Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. The two sides held discussions and signed a cooperation agreement on topics such as leveraging the historical and cultural ties between China and ASEAN countries to open a new era for Chinese enterprises "going global". When meeting with Lim Kian Ting, a prominent overseas Chinese leader in Malaysia, he expressed strong support for this initiative. Lim Kian Ting shared his years of experience in promoting traditional Chinese culture, stating that economic and trade relations built on cultural identity have the most solid foundation. He also emphasized that Chinese culture should take the lead in "going global" as a carrier for Chinese enterprises, an approach that can resolve many current suspicions and misunderstandings, shield against unfavorable factors, and ensure steady progress for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.

During the inspection in Malaysia, the delegation engaged extensively with local renowned enterprises and overseas Chinese leaders. When visiting Sime Darby Berhad's Port Klang project, the two sides explored the feasibility of building a Chinese industrial park and reached initial cooperation intentions in agriculture, healthcare and wellness, UAV industry transfer, and high-tech information achievement commercialization. During discussions with Lim Fatt Kun, Chairman of Kwong Hing Group, the delegation heard his suggestions on leveraging the special role of overseas Chinese in strengthening China-Malaysia relations in the new era, as well as vivid stories of Malaysian Chinese in major historical events and their integration into mainstream society, which deeply impressed the delegation members. During exchanges with Tan Keng Kong, Secretary-General of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and Chairman of Hai-O Group, the delegation learned about the contributions of his father Tan Khai Hee, who upheld the virtues of patriotism, loyalty, and kindness to promote mutual respect and recognition between Chinese and local communities, which also drove the development of Hai-O Group. Tan King Kong highlighted the descendants of the Nanyang Mechanics: their fathers actively returned to China to participate in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the descendants have persevered, growing and thriving against the odds in a complex international environment, becoming the backbone of various sectors in Malaysian society.

In Kuala Lumpur, the delegation held talks with Dato' Siew Yoke Fong, CEO of Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd, and key members of the leadership team. They gained detailed insights into the project's bulk oil, liquefied natural gas, and related comprehensive supporting system construction. From the perspective of Asia-Pacific economic integration, they also discussed topics such as how to grasp the prospects and trends of the international energy market and promote ASEAN's unique role in it. During a visit to the Melaka Gateway, the two sides discussed the feasibility of establishing a digital financial special zone, reached high consensus, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Xiao Wunan has made significant contributions to promoting Chinese enterprises "going global". Since the 1990s, he has successfully promoted the implementation of numerous projects, particularly in addressing complex issues involving ethnic religion, geopolitics, international public opinion, and local public sentiment, with innovative ideas, methods, and results. These achievements include taking the lead in promoting the construction of China's first overseas comprehensive port – The Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti; assisting China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited in acquiring the Piraeus Port project in Greece; supporting the overseas expansion of Shijiazhuang Pharmaceutical Group; and successfully developing a Buddhist cultural special zone in Lumbini, Nepal, which attracted high attention from the international community and was widely reported by nearly all mainstream global media.

In recent years, Xiao Wunan has led Chinese new energy and electric vehicle enterprises to expand globally, achieving breakthrough results in promoting energy storage development in Europe. He has also assisted in the overseas strategies of Ganfeng Lithium and Fujian Judian Group, and promoted comprehensive, multi-level cooperation between the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) and Chinese new energy enterprises. At the recent International Forum on Electric Vehicles and Green Hydrogen in Spain, Xiao Wunan delivered a keynote speech, sharing his views on how Chinese new energy enterprises can establish more forward-looking and strategic cooperation with the EU, which won high recognition and positive responses from participants. It is believed that with Spain as a "fulcrum", Chinese new energy enterprises will write a historic chapter in expanding into the EU and Latin American markets.