‘High prospect for enterprises from China as Sarawak moves towards high-income status’
Enterprises from China have many opportunities to expand in Sarawak as the state develops towards its ambitious goal of achieving high-income status by 2030, says Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping.
Speaking at the Chinese New Year 2024 event, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (ACCCIS) here on Thursday, Xing emphasised the diverse nature of bilateral collaboration.
He also noted that such partnerships extended beyond infrastructure development to include high-end manufacturing, clean energy, and digital economy.
“We are looking forward to taking the ART (Autonomous Rapid Transit), ports, railroads, smart city, digital economy, and new energy development as opportunities to promote the participation of more Chinese equipment manufacturing and technology enterprises in Sarawak’s development.
“We should also focus on the expansion of ChinaSarawak trade. There is still much potential for our trade. I believe, as Sarawak has its own ports, airline, as well as further improvement for its transportation and logistics facilities, China-Sarawak trade will step into a period of great increase,” he said.
In terms of bilateral relations, Xing called for the expansion of exchanges between China and Sarawak, utilising existing the ‘Friendship City’ relations.
According to him, at present there are three Chinese provinces and more than 30 cities that have established ‘Friendship City’ relations with Sarawak.
On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, Xing welcomed the proposal by the government of Yunnan Province to co-host the celebrations.
“The specific activities are under negotiation. Here, I warmly welcome Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and other Sarawak statesmen politicians to visit China more often.
“I look forward to witnessing Sarawak setting up a representative office in China as soon as possible,” he added.