China expects better bilateral ties with M’sia under Dr M

Bilateral ties between China and Malaysia are expected to reach greater heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Consul- General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong said China is confident in the new Pakatan Harapan government as Dr Mahathir had previously led Malaysia for 22 years and during that time built a long-lasting relationship with China.

“Moreover, Dr Mahathir’s Vision 2020 to make Malaysia a developed and advanced nation and China’s vision to build a moderately prosperous society (xiaokang) by 2021 are very interesting and our future is very bright,” he said when visiting See Hua Group at Crown Towers here yesterday.

“With our development agenda, there are many areas where we can enhance our cooperation and collaborations.”

He pointed out that the areas of focus include encouraging Malaysian Chinese to visit the homeland of their ancestors in China to rekindle and renew ties.

“Other than education, economic and trade cooperation and activities remain strong. There is still a lot of potential and opportunities for collaborations such as in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, culture, and many others,” he said.

Cheng said investors from China are keen and interested to explore potential projects in Sarawak as Malaysia is seen as a successful market for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

“However, they will have to come in to do a thorough study of the area of investment in order to achieve a win-win outcome so that both parties can see the benefits,” he said, pledging sufficient assistance for investors.

Cheng also called on the state government to look into the potential of aged- care tourism to cater to senior citizens from China.

He said demand is increasing for the new niche market as populations in Asia are ageing faster than in any other region.

“China has 1.4 billion people and last year alone, there were 241 million people aged 60 and above. So aged care has become a crucial matter in China,” he said.

“This is another potential area where Sarawak can tap into because there is a positive outlook in this sector. I hope the state government and even other districts in Sarawak can give their attention to this sector targeting the China market and come up with plans, including facilities and infrastructure.”

Cheng said many senior citizens in China preferred to stay in warmer countries, especially during harsh winters in certain regions.

“So in the future, they may also want to consider to visit Sarawak. So I think this is a booming sector where we can collaborate in the future, which in turn will contribute to the economic growth here as well,” he said.

Sixty-three children from two children’s homes here were treated to a breaking- of-fast with the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib on Monday.

According to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) which organised the event held at Grand Margherita Hotel, it commenced with the presentation of contribution from Taib and his wife, to each of the children, witnessed by SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain and general manager Soedirman Aini.

The children came from Rumah Kanak Kanak Toh Puan Norkiah, Kuching and Rumah Kanak Kanak Datuk Ajibah Abol, Sri Aman.

They also received goodies courtesy of SEDC, as part of their reaching- out programmes for the local community.

SEDC has been carrying out this programme on a yearly basis, aimed specifically at giving an opportunity to the less fortunate children a chance to celebrate the joy of Ramadan.

The guests-of-honour and guests together with the children were later treated to iftar meal at the ‘ Macam Macam Ada Ramadan Buffet’ prepared by Grand Margherita Hotel.