Miri-Guangning becomes 33rd partnership between China, M’sia

MIRI (Aug 28): Miri City and Zhaoping City of Guangning County have become the 33rd partnership between China and Malaysia, following a friendship city relationship agreement.

China’s Consul-General in Kuching Xing Weiping, who witnessed the signing agreement, said the occasion is significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, symbolising a deeper relationship between the two countries.

“Malaysia is the first Asean country to establish diplomatic relations with China. China has been Malaysia’s largest trade partner for 15 consecutive years, with this year’s trade volume expected to exceed USD200 billion,” he said in his remarks after the signing ceremony.

He added that the number of Chinese students studying in Malaysia has surpassed 40,000 people, while over 1.5 million Chinese tourists have visited Malaysia in the first half of this year, with the figure expected to exceed 3.5 million by year end.

Being Malaysia’s largest state by area and third largest by economy, Sarawak plays a pivotal role in China-Malaysia relations, Xing noted.

“More Chinese enterprises are participating in Sarawak’s infrastructure development, including high-tech products such as hydrogen fuelled vehicles and electric vehicles, which have made significant contributions to the state’s economic growth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the agreement will bring profound significance to both parties in terms of cultural, educational, tourism, and trade exchanges.

“I hope with the signing of the agreement, our friendship and cultural exchanges will not only remain symbolic but also lead to progress and implementation.

“We aim to promote collaboration among Chinese communities, entrepreneurs, and fellow compatriots to foster mutual development and shared success,” he said.

The text of Dr Sim’s speech was read by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

Signing on behalf of Guangning County was its State Secretary Chen Chao Chang, while Miri City was represented by mayor Adam Yii.