KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) hopes to attract up to US$2 billion (US$1=RM3.38) in investments from China.

Its president, Tan Sri William Cheng Heng Jem, said ACCCIM expected between 150-200 potential investors from China to come to Malaysia in May, adding that investments could be in the form of partnerships or fully-owned.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing on 1Malaysia Economic Conference here Thursday, Cheng said ACCCIM was currently working closely with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority on the development.

"The Chinese investors are keen on infrastructure in power plants, bridges, airports, highways and railways. They are also looking at potential industries such as agriculture, coal-powered plant, manufacturing and services," he said.

Cheng said ACCCIM would also promote Malaysia as exporter of halal products to the Chinese, adding that Malaysia was able to attract foreign investments due to the government's commitment in liberalising the economy.

He said the association would continue its efforts to build a bridge between China and Malaysia in order to boost bilateral trade between the two countries, as well as to attract foreign direct investments.

Cheng said local entrepreneurs should tap ACCCIM's network, which has signed more than 40 memoranda of understanding with chambers worldwide, to promote bilateral trade and joint ventures.

He said the 1Malaysia Economic Conference, which would be held from Feb 8-9, 2010, aimed to bring together experts, entrepreneurs and national legislators to deliberate on the 10th Malaysia Plan.

"It is also to share the prospects and challenges of Malaysia's transformation to become a high-income economy as well as to solicit feedback and suggestions in shaping and implementing the 1Malaysia's new economic model," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to officiate at the conference and deliver a keynote address.

It is endorsed by Ministry of Finance, Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Economic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister's Department.

Among the speakers who had confirmed their attendance are chairman of Sime Darby Group Tun Musa Hitam, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, chairman of IOI Group Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng and chief executive officer of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd Datuk Seri Lee Oi Hian.