By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 8: The Sarawak government has been proposed to establish trade and tourism promotion centres in key Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
In making the proposal, Sarawak-China Friendship Association (SFCA) president Datuk Wee Kok Tiong said as the world’s second-largest economy, China holds enormous appeal for Sarawak.
“Sarawak can better showcase its advantages, attracting Chinese businesses and tourists for investment and visits.
“These centres would provide market information, policy consulting, and investment guidance for Sarawak’s enterprises, enabling them to integrate more seamlessly into the Chinese market and serve as crucial gateways for Chinese investment,” he said during a gala dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China held at Hilton Hotel here earlier tonight.
He also said these centres could serve as platforms for cultural and educational exchanges, allowing more Chinese people to appreciate the unique charm of Sarawak through exhibitions and exchange programmes, thereby attracting tourists and students to Sarawak and fostering closer people-to-people ties.
Wee further said SFCA, in collaboration with Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, Brunei-China Friendship Association and Kalimantan-Tiongkok Friendship Association, have established the Borneo-China Friendship Alliance, aimed at integrating resources and market advantages and creating a vital platform for cooperation between Borneo and China.
He mentioned that Borneo, rich in natural resources, can benefit from collaboration with China in developing renewable energy, advanced technologies in agriculture, fisheries, and marine resources.
By leveraging China’s expertise in clean energy, aquaculture, and oil & gas extraction, Borneo can enhance sustainability, productivity, and economic growth, he said.
The gala dinner was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Apart from celebrating the significant achievements of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, the gala dinner also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General of China in Kuching.
Among those present were Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; acting Consul General of China in Kuching, Song Changhong; SFCA advisors Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong and Lee Khoi Yun; and vice presidents Dato Tan Jit Kee and Datuk Wee Kok Hui. — DayakDaily
