A SERIES of economic, trade and cultural celebrations will be held at the newly completed Sunshine Central in Air Itam, Penang, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. Suiwah Corporation Bhd managing director Datuk Hwang Thean Long said a Chinese product expo would also be held as part of the celebrations, which would start in September and last for six months. He said cultural performances, including Chinese art performances would also be featured.
Hwang also said that more than 20 Chinese enterprises would participate in the event. “In the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Malaysia-China relations have developed maturity and stability. “Bilateral exchanges and cooperation have become increasingly frequent, benefiting the people of both countries and making local interactions more practical.
“China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years and in recent years, Malaysia has become a popular destination for new investment projects from China in the fields of digital economy, green development, and new energy. “We look forward to establishing cooperation mechanisms through this exhibition, promoting economic and trade exchanges and sharing business opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiatives,” he said during a press conference. Suiwah Corporation is a retail group best known for its Sunshine chain of supermarkets and departmental stores.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng in his speech said Malaysia and China had enjoyed a long history with Malaysia being the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China. “Over the past 50 years, Malaysia-China relations have grown closer and stronger. “The two countries have not only deepened their economic and trade cooperation but also established numerous connections through cultural exchanges, student education and cooperation among civil organisations,” he said.
Ng said he hoped that Penang could benefit more from the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Several exhibitors from China were also present at the press conference where they took the opportunity to display some of the products which would be featured at the expo including China-made edibles, daily use items, cosmetics and other beauty products. A representative of one of the companies, Yao Hongbo, who is the deputy general manager and marketing director of Zhongke Huafu Group Co Ltd, said since August last year, several trips had been made between China and Malaysia under the leadership of Malaysia-China Belt and Road Global Procurement Centre chief executive officer Liang Liang.
“Our mission is to actively develop economic cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and lead Chinese enterprises to the world. “Our trips to Malaysia are to promote in-depth cooperation, provide a good exchange platform for economic and trade purposes and to deepen the friendship between both countries,” he said. Also present were Liang, secretary-general of the Chinese organising committee for the anniversary celebrations Zuo Jiang Hong, Suiwah Corporation executive director Cynthia Hwang and chief financial officer Beh Hooi Sim.
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