GEORGE TOWN: Penang is gearing up to enhance its relationship with China as the two nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the enduring bilateral relationship and expects an increase in Chinese-funded investments in the northern region.
"I believe Penang will attract more investments, thanks to the support from the Consulate-General in Penang. Their efforts in strengthening the Malaysia-China relationship are truly remarkable," he said.
Chow emphasised Penang's long-valued connection with China, committing to further develop this partnership for mutual community benefits.
"For 15 consecutive years, China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner, while Malaysia stands as China's second-largest in Southeast Asia," Chow said at the Chinese New Year Reception and Festival of Spring 2024 held at Dewan Sri Pinang.
The event, organised by the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Penang, coincided with the Chap Goh Meh celebration, marking the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Highlighting the importance of these ties, Chow recalled the visits of China's Vice-President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Malaysia last year as significant milestones in the bilateral relationship.
On tourism, Chow noted that Penang welcomed 13,000 Chinese tourists last year, underscoring the strong bond between the two locales, further reinforced by his official visit to Xiamen, China.
Chinese Consul-General in Penang, Zhou Youbin, expressed his pleasure with the event's warm reception.
"The festive atmosphere showcases Malaysia's unique character of ethnic harmony and cultural diversity," he said.
The celebration at Dewan Sri Pinang saw thousands of attendees enjoying a variety of captivating performances and dances, with notable guests including Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, and Chow's wife, Tan Lean Kee.
