KUCHING, Aug 7: The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, has announced an allocation of RM60,000 to the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sarawak Branch as a token of appreciation and recognition for the branch’s significant contributions over the years.
In a statement issued today, he stated that the allocation is to support the branch’s ongoing activities for their business communities.
Tiong noted that MCCC Sarawak Branch has served as a bridge and platform for industry and commerce between Sarawak and China.
“They are committed to strengthening the connection between Sarawak’s private sector and business groups, providing the latest information on Malaysia-China business exchanges for local enterprises and businesses, and providing a broader perspective for development proposals.
“They have been instrumental in helping to build more high-quality platforms for cooperation and exchanges between Malaysian and Chinese business enterprises,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, mentioned that ASEAN countries have grown stronger as the world has progressed.
“Our neighbours have been active and inclusive in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) because they know that FDI can serve as a catalyst for their local economies and bring more job opportunities with a firm foothold in the ever-changing international market.
“Look at Sarawak, a land of great and talented people with natural advantages better than those of many countries.
“It is imperative that we be even more active to take advantage of Sarawak’s gifts to attract investments,” he added.
He said that doing so diligently will reap dividends for all Sarawakians and every corner of Sarawak.
Tiong expressed his hope that MCCC will continue to be a high-quality platform for Malaysia-China business exchanges.
“Through more exchanges and dialogues, let us find more channels to deepen the bilateral ties between Malaysia and China and create win-win opportunities for all parties,” he remarked.
By the installation of the 5th Council (2022-2025), which was also the inaugural installation of the Women’s Entrepreneurs Committee, Tiong highlighted that with a new board of directors and the inaugural establishment of the women’s committee, they have now assumed the responsibility of strengthening bilateral economic and trade exchanges between Malaysia and China under the MCCC Sarawak Branch’s banner.
“In your work to deepen bilateral exchanges with China, let us work together to leverage Sarawak’s close connections to form greater investment and economic cooperation for Sarawak and push our relationships to a higher level.
“I believe the new council members will undoubtedly bring the Sarawak branch’s bilateral economic links to greater heights,” he exclaimed.
In addition, Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, pointed out that 48 years ago, Malaysia made history as the first ASEAN country to re-establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“The bilateral trade between Malaysia and China continues to buck the trend despite the impacts of the pandemic, and business opportunities are booming.
“In 2021, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years and the largest investor in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry for six consecutive years.
“The bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China reached US$176.8 billion, a year-on-year increase of 34.5 per cent; Malaysia’s import and export volume with China was US$78.77 billion and US$98.06 billion, an increase of 39.9 per cent and 30.4 per cent, respectively,” he disclosed. — DayakDaily
