By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 8: Eight delegates from the China aviation investment industry arrived in Kuching today for a two-day-one-night study tour to explore potential for direct China-Kuching flights.
Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan, who is also the tour coordinator, said the delegation will be exposed to some of Kuching’s best tourism destinations and food.
“They will be visiting the Borneo Cultures Museum before paying a courtesy call on our Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, of course, together with Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and related ministries.
“Tomorrow, we will showcase the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) and bring them around for our ‘kolo mee’ and ‘laksa’.
“This is quite a rush trip because they (China delegates) need to visit other places in Malaysia, such as Ipoh and Melaka,” he told the press when met at the Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant here earlier today.
Chew said most of the delegates are visiting Kuching for the first time, so he was uncertain of their experiences or reactions towards Sarawak at the moment.
He said the possibility of direct flights from China would be further discussed during their meeting with Lee, which was scheduled for 4.30pm today.
“Some of the things they want to see are whether Kuching is ready to handle China tourists or visitors; are there enough hotels, guides, restaurants and shopping places?” he shared.
Meanwhile, China Aviation International Construction and Investment Co., Ltd. (AVIC AIC) general manager Bai Haiping said Kuching was identified as one of their potential investment stops due to its uniqueness and long historical connection with China.
He also said there are many cultural and heritage attractions here that he believes could draw visitors, be they tourists or enterprises, to Kuching.
Amongst those who were also present were Kuching China Traders Import and Export Association’s chairman Datuk Yii Ming Tang, and Civil Aviation Investment Fund (CAIF) general manager Gao Jianming. — DayakDaily
