PENANG’s diplomatic relations with China have not only opened doors for enhanced trade and investment but have also cultivated strong bonds of friendship between both sides.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai extended his gratitude for the robust bilateral ties between Penang and China during the closing ceremony of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) 10th Anniversary Nationwide Tour at Chung Ling Private High School in Air Itam today.
The tour included a series of roundtable meetings and seminars held across the country.
The seminar, titled ‘Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future: A BRI Story of Penang and China’, served as an inclusive platform, inviting members of the public to participate in an insightful dialogue.
“Our ties in trade, investment, and tourism flourished, progressing from strength to strength. Recent milestones, such as the Malaysia-China visa-free policy and the introduction of direct flights from Penang to China, mark a significant leap forward.
“The increase in the number of direct flights to Xiamen, now operating daily by Xiamen Air, underscores the deepening connectivity between our regions. This development facilitates smoother travel and strengthens economic and cultural ties.
“This Belt and Road Initiative aligns with Penang’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible economic development,” said Wong, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman, during his speech.
Wong foresees collaboration with China on electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, high-tech industries, and other emerging sectors that can be a model for the world.
With the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China this year, Wong said these strong ties cement a source of strength.
“China’s commitment to investing in ASEAN countries reflects our shared vision of mutual prosperity,” he added.
Ding Qiao, the Chinese vice consul-general in Penang, expressed appreciation for the common understanding between Malaysia and China, especially acknowledging the various initiatives developed by both nations.
“The joint construction of BRI continues to stimulate and unleash the potential of economic and trade cooperation, ” she said, adding that China would continue to strengthen international exchanges on technological advances.
Among the guests present were Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, Southeast Asia Research Centre of Humanities and Belt and Road Malaysia Association secretary-general Ian Neo Chee Hua, Chung Ling Private High School principal Ng Jooi Seah, Malaysia Silk Road Society president Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian, and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Penang branch vice-president Datuk Tan Heng Keng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting