MCBC Background

About the Malaysia–China Business Council

The Malaysia–China Business Council (MCBC) is a company limited by guarantee (CLBG) established as a non-profit institutional platform to support and advance Malaysia–China economic cooperation. MCBC traces its origins to 2002, following the establishment of the China–Malaysia Joint Business Council between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Malaysian side, an initiative witnessed by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China at the time.

MCBC was formally incorporated in April 2012 under the Companies Act 1965. It operates under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia, and serves as a facilitative and coordination platform supporting the Government of Malaysia in promoting bilateral trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and technology collaboration with the People’s Republic of China.

Role and Functions

MCBC acts as a bridge between government agencies, private enterprises, and individuals, fostering closer coordination and a better mutual understanding for the collective benefit of the Malaysian and Chinese business communities. In this capacity, MCBC functions as an industry–government facilitation unit, engaging with federal and state government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), industry leaders, multinational corporations, SMEs, entrepreneurs, business chambers, and trade associations.

MCBC aligns its programmes and engagements with Malaysia’s national development strategies, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the Malaysia National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2026–2030, the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030 (NAP 2.0), and other relevant national agendas to promote Malaysia as a trade and investment destination of choice.

Strategic Partnerships

In carrying out its mandate, MCBC works closely with its strategic counterparts and partners in the People’s Republic of China, including the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the United Front Work Department (UFWD), and the China Economic Cooperation Center, among other relevant central and provincial-level institutions.

On the Malaysian side, MCBC collaborates with key government ministries and agencies to support national trade, investment, and industrial objectives. These strategic partners include, inter alia, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Halal Development Corporation (HDC), Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), as well as other relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders.

Strategic Contributions

Over the years, MCBC has played a supporting and facilitative role in advancing several key bilateral initiatives aligned with Malaysia’s long-term economic and industrial objectives. These include the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” framework (Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and China Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park), education and talent development initiatives such as Xiamen University Malaysia, and industry engagement related to major national infrastructure projects, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). We are also one of the three co-founders of the ASEAN-China-GCC Business Council, along with CCPIT, and the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC).