RECEPTION COMMEMORATING THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC TIES BETWEEN CHINA AND MALAYSIA
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE RECEPTION
COMMEMORATING THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC TIES BETWEEN CHINA AND MALAYSIA
A very good evening to all of you.
I’m greatly honoured as we are gathered here to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties with its significance between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.
The close friendship between our both nations began in 1974 when Malaysia made the strategic decision of becoming the first ASEAN country to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since that decision was made, a close friendship has been sealed between us which resulted in incessant growth and cooperation. For the past decade since 2009, China continuously emerge as the most important trading partner with Malaysia.
For the first time, Malaysia underwent a change of federal government last year and with Pakatan Harapan now at the helm, the close ties between our countries will only continue to be better and relations between our peoples run deeper. I believe the exchanges taking place in the trade, cultural, education and tourism spheres will result in greater mutual benefits for both countries in time to come.
Much more significant in this aspect, is the deeply profound ties between Penang and China. The sister cities relations between Penang and Xiamen City have lasted more than 20 years and now include Hainan Province, Zhongshan City and Chengdu City which have formed friendship city relations with Penang for better cooperation. A consulate-general office as well as a China Visa Application Service Centre have also been established in Penang which highlight the strong bilateral ties between us.
Penang is the economic hub of the northern region in Malaysia and our investment cooperation with China has increased tremendously in recent years. According to my understanding, more than 40 Chinese corporations currently operate in Penang and from 2013 until September 2018, Chinese investments in northern Malaysia have exceeded RM3.8 billion. And for the first three quarters of 2018, Chinese investments in northern Malaysia amounted to RM900 million and of this amount, RM750 million was in Penang, which generated much economic growth for the state.
In terms of tourism, Chinese tourists to Malaysia reached 2.94 million people and Penang remains a popular destination for the Chinese. The number of Chinese tourists who arrived at the Penang International Airport was 72,386. And for the first four months of this year, the arrival figures at the Penang International Airport reached 19,608 passengers. With the joint announcement by Malaysia and China that 2020 would be our “Year of Culture and Tourism”, I believe tourism would reach higher levels for both countries.
Ladies & gentlemen,
The Penang2030 vision of turning Penang into A Family-Focused Green and Smart State That Inspires the Nation which was unveiled by the state government last year is the direction of the development plan for Penang in the coming 10 years. This vision, however, should belong not only to the people of Penang but instead, should be the common vision of each and every person who lives here, works here, invests here and who has a role in the development of Penang. It is my hope that all of you who are here right now will work hand-in-hand with the state government in achieving this vision Penang2030.
As both our countries enter the 45th year of diplomatic ties, it is my sincere wish that the friendship between Malaysia and China will reach a greater level of mutual cooperation that would benefit our peoples.
Lastly, let us all toast for a greater friendship between Malaysia and China.
Thank you.