KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has proposed the government to launch ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ campaign this year, as an approach to reactivate and rejuvenate the domestic tourism industry, which was badly devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic in the past three years.
Huazong President Tan Sri T.C Goh opined that this would also be a timely move to better attract the Chinese tourists, especially since China recently opened its borders on 8 January.
He was convinced that with an increasing number of Chinese investors and tourists coming to Malaysia this year, the bilateral trade between Malaysia and China might be further boosted to surpass last year’s trade volume of USD 200 billion.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) expressed this while welcoming the speech of Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, in regards to bilateral relations and trade between Malaysia and China, delivered at the 2023 Chinese New Year reception organized by the Embassy, at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur, on Monday.
Also in attendance were Huazong Vice Presidents, Dato’ Lam Kuang Yau and Wong Keng Tong, its Treasurer-general Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, his deputy Dato’ Ng Chin Heng, Central Committee members Dato Lee Teck Hua and Vice President of Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall, Oh Kian Kiong, among others.
In a statement issued today, Goh expressed confidence that the reopening of the borders of Malaysia and China will significantly boost bilateral relations and cooperation, between the two nations, in various sectors including trade, tourism, social and education.
Goh who is also Chairman of Malaysia-China Business Council’s (MCBC) Bilateral Policies Bureau was also delighted over Ouyang Yujing’s disclosure that the bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China for last year has reached a whopping USD 203.6 billion (a year-on-year increase of 15.3%), setting a new record. He was convinced that following the reopening of borders for China and Malaysia, and a better control of the Covid-19 pandemic, the bilateral trade figures will be further boosted to set a new record this year.
He also hoped Malaysia could better position itself to capitalize on China’s much anticipated robust economic expansion in the region, post pandemic, as mentioned by Ouyang Yujing in his speech.
Goh also agreed with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir for acknowledging that since Malaysia and China established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations between the two countries continued to grow from strength to strength. Dr Zambry also reiterated the Malaysian government’s support for “One China policy”.
He further noted that this year also marks the 10th year anniversary of the establishment of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, and was convinced that the bilateral relations between the two nations will be further boosted, which will ultimately benefit the people of the two countries.
