M’sia-China trade reaches US$135.23 bln from Jan-Aug, says republic’s acting consul general

KUCHING (Nov 9): Malaysia and China’s bilateral trade has reached US$135.23 billion from January to August this year, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Song Changjong said that China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years and a major source of foreign investment.

“From January to August of this year, the bilateral trade volume reached US$135.23 billion, an 11 per cent year-on-year increase, with China’s investment in Malaysia totaling US$1.48 billion, a 13.2 per cent rise.

“The implementation of mutual visa exemption policy further facilitates people-to-people exchanges between the two sides. The number of Chinese travellers to Malaysia reached 2.28 million in the first eight months of this year. At present, there are more than 47,000 Chinese students in Malaysia.

“Over the past 50 years, China and Malaysia have always been friendly and supportive to each other, setting an example of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries,” she said in her speech during a gala dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China at a hotel here last night.

Song acknowledged Sarawak’s crucial role in the development of China-Malaysia relations.

“Over the past 50 years, Sarawak has always firmly supported the development of China-Malaysia relations and committed itself to promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

“Sarawak has always adhered to the one China principle and safeguarded the political foundation of China-Malaysia(Sarawak) relations.

“Sarawak has always insisted on the principle of mutual assistance even in times of trouble, and has been the first to lend a helping hand in times of natural disasters or epidemic, demonstrating the spirit of mutual help between neighbors and deepening the China-Malaysia (Sarawak) friendship,” she said.

Song outlined recent collaborative achievements between Sarawak and China in fields like digital economy, green energy, sustainable development, infrastructure, education, and cultural exchanges.

Notable projects include the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and infrastructure developments in road and bridge construction, with more cities on both sides establishing sister-city relationships.

Song said this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate-General of People’s Republic of China in Kuching.

“As the first Chinese Consulate-General in Malaysia, we have always been committed to promoting China-Malaysia (Sarawak) exchanges and cooperation, and serving overseas Chinese people.

“Thus, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our guests today and all the friends from all walks of life who devote their energy and time into China-Malaysia (Sarawak) relations.

“I would like to thank you all for your longstanding and active support to our Consulate-General, and for your significant contributions to China-Malaysia (Sarawak) friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation,” she said.

She added that China will further deepen overall reforms and promote high-level opening up, which will not only open broad prospect for Chinese modernization but also provide new opportunities and create new momentum for cooperation between China and Sarawak.

“Today, China is changing rapidly as we run on the Chinese modernisation. As we look to the future, we are full of hope and confidence.

“The Consulate-General hopes to with friends from all walks of life in Sarawak and seize the valuable opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two sides to further promote the interests and well-being of the people of China, Malaysia as well as Sarawak,” she added.

Also present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; SCFA advisors Datuk Amar Michael Manyin and Lee Khoi Yun, president Datuk Wee Kok Tiong, and vice presidents Dato Tan Jit Kee and Datuk Wee Kok Hui.

-Agency

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