Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said Monday that it is not fair to say that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative only involves big infrastructure projects carried out by big firms while leaving out small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Liow made the remarks at a SMEs matchmaking event held in Kuala Lumpur, which was comprised of 88 SMEs from China and more than 100 from Malaysia. Noting that SMEs play an important role in the economy, he encouraged deeper participation from them in the economic ties between the two countries.

Citing the China Malaysia Port Alliance as an example, Liow said infrastructure upgrade was the prerequisite for SMEs participation and more opportunities would be created once airports, railways and highways are built.

"Moreover, such infrastructure projects can also bring about business opportunities in material supply, cross-border trade, logistics and even daily necessities," he said.