‘China hopes for closer ties with Malaysia’
KUALA LUMPUR: China is looking forward to forging closer cooperation with Malaysia, particularly in the field of human resource development, says Bai Tian.
The China Ambassador to Malaysia said this year had been a “phenomenal” year for both countries as it was the 40th anniversary of China’s opening up, and the 5th year after the Belt and Road initiative was launched.
“Every year, the Chinese government offers hundreds of exchange programmes to 150 developing countries worldwide to help them pursue their own path of development,” he said in his opening remarks at the China-Aid Alumni Association of Malaysia’s 2018 reception yesterday.
The ambassador said these participants comprised government officials, businessmen and academicians.
“They not only bring back experiences but also become friendship ambassadors between China and their home countries,” he said.
Bai described the Malaysia-China relations as “solid” and had huge potential and bright prospects.
He also thanked the association for helping to foster closer ties between both countries.
In his speech, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Sim Tze Tzin spoke on the improvement in agro-based trade between China and Malaysia.
He cited the recent signing of an agreement, allowing for the export of whole durians, rather than in frozen pulp and paste form to China previously.
“Many of our officers are now alumni members and several of them had gone to China to learn agriculture technology and expertise in Malaysia’s efforts to achieve food security,” he said.
Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim and Johor Baru-based English teacher Christin Sheela Ramaiah also related their experiences, participating in Chinese-organised programmes, both overseas and locally.
Malaysia has been participating in professional exchange programmes with China since 2008.
Currently, there are about 1,000 alumni from various backgrounds, all over the country.
This year was also notable as it was the first time a Chinaorganised programme was held in Malaysia, with the cooperation of a university, which saw Chinese ocean- monitoring experts being brought in to share their expertise.