China welcomes mutually beneficial development opportunities
KUCHING: China wants to play a larger role in mutually beneficial development opportunities globally.
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong said this at a Chinese New Year reception here on Friday.
He said in May 2017, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced during The Belt and Road Forum that China will host China International Import Expo starting from 2018, with the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.
“It is rare that a developing country like China chooses to hold an import-themed expo as a platform for countries around the world to expand exports to China and engage in international trade and share business opportunities.
“It shows China’s sincerity to open its market to the world, and demonstrates China’s active role in pushing forward economic globalization,” said Cheng.
He said that China has a huge market with a population of 1.3 billion with import of products and services valued at more than 10 trillion dollars.
Cheng previously worked in the Chinese Embassy in India and the Office of Foreign Affairs of the CPC Central Committee.
Prior to his appointments he was a researcher on military strategy at the Academy of Military History Research of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
“The more I learned about the cruelty of war and conflicts the better I understand the value of peace and development,” said Cheng.
He said that today’s world is complex with volatile international and regional situations, war, terrorism, cyber security, climate change and more.
“To address these global challenges, China upholds the principle of mutual respect, fair-play, justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation in her foreign policy.
“We are committed to join hands with other nations including Malaysia to build a world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity and a world that is inclusive and enjoys a well preserved ecology,” he added.
Cheng said Malaysia is China’s good neighbour, partner and friend. Thus, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia continues to deepen. The relationship between the two countries is at its historical best.
He said China and Sarawak have witnessed close high-level exchanges resulting in economic and trade cooperation including infrastructure construction, manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture amongst others.
Also present at the dinner were guest-of-honour Second Minister of Finance and Minister of International Trade and e-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who represented the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Assistant Minister for Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and State Secretary Datuk Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani.