Malaysian think-tank urges China to invest in ASEAN infrastucture

China has been urged to finance more infrastructure projects outlined in the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.

“China should invest more in Asean countries, especially in financing infrastructure projects to promote closer connectivity between the people of China and ASEAN,” Dr Michael Yeoh, CEO of  Malaysia's Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli), said at the Pan-Beibu Gulf Think Tank Summit-Regional Connectivity and Cross-Border Cooperation.

He said physical connectivity would also bring ASEAN closer to China via the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link, Trans-Asean Highway to Nanning, Trans-Asean Gas pipeline project as well as enhanced maritime transport connectivity connecting the ports of southern China with those in ASEAN.