KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 16): Malaysia welcomes cooperation with China to develop its domestic rare earth elements (REE) processing industry, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti).

Miti said Malaysia has always taken advantage of strategic partnerships with countries with high technology capabilities in REE processing.

The ministry noted that although the country possesses rare earth deposits, it currently lacks sufficient expertise and technology to process them.

“Malaysia has always welcomed cooperation with foreign countries that have capabilities in developing REE resources, including China and the United States,” the ministry said in a written response posted on the Parliament’s website.

Miti was responding to Syerleena Abdul Rashid [PH–Bukit Bendera], who asked about balancing China’s offer to develop the REE industry with existing relations with the United States.

It said cooperation with China is also intended to ensure Malaysia does not become overly reliant on REE separation technology from a single country.

Miti also emphasised that this strategy aligns with the implementation of national policies, such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap 2021–2030, which focus on the development of high-technology materials.

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