KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese entrepreneurs continue to play a crucial role in regional integration by facilitating economic, cultural and people-to-people ties, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

Chinese entrepreneurs globally can assume a bigger role in safeguarding regional economic cooperation, ensuring security of crucial supply chains and promoting the global socio-economic development agenda, Anwar said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Kuala Lumpur.

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President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Low Kian Chuan said that legendary acumen and adaptability to innovate in a fast-paced and competitive environment have helped Chinese entrepreneurs thrive and face current and future global challenges.

The two-day event brought together over 4,000 corporate leaders, experts and researchers from all over the world to mull over prospects and challenges of global economic development, the organizer said.

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The convention was founded in 1991.