KUCHING: The presence of cultural performers from Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province in China at this year’s Kuching Festival Fair is a sign of the diplomatic ties and friendship between China and Malaysia, said Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan.
Chan (seated fourth right) with the Zhenjiang delegation. Seated from right are Gao, People’s Republic of China Kuching deputy consul-general Liu Dongyuan and Zhenjiang Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office director Charlie Zhang.
The performers took centre stage at the opening of the festival last night (Aug 1).
Chan said 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries has proved to be fruitful for Malaysia’s development and growth, adding there is a possibility of closer ties with Jiangsu in future.
“The close friendship between Jiangsu and Kuching city must be enhanced before a sister relationship between both cities can materialise,” he told reporters during a courtesy call by delegates from Zhenjiang at his office yesterday.
He thanked the delegation, which included Jiangsu University Overseas Education College dean Prof Gao Jing.
Chan said Jiangsu University, which is ranked among the top 100 universities globally, is very keen to have Sarawakian students, especially school leavers from Chinese-medium schools.
“However certain criteria need to be met before students can be enrolled in the university, which offers courses ranging from agriculture to engineering,” he added.
Besides education, he said there are many other win-win opportunities for both countries.
He said mega industry players from China have expressed their interest to expand their industries in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) due to the availability of resources and potential business opportunities.
As Zhenjiang city is known for its vinegar, Chan suggested manufacturers could invest and open factories in the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub to cater to the Middle Eastern market.
“I am sure that producing vinegar will comply with the halal certification standards,” said Chan, who has visited Zhenjiang city, located less than an hour’s drive from Shanghai.
Meanwhile, the 12 performers from the Zhenjiang Institute of Fine Arts will showcase a variety of Chinese cultural dances, singing and instrumental performances during the Kuching Festival tonight and tomorrow night.