KUCHING: China is expected to import commodities worth US$10 trillion and invest US$500 billion from overseas in the next five years, said China’s consul-general in Kuching Liu Quan.
As such, he hoped that the business community in Sarawak and Sabah would grab these opportunities to further boost the bilateral trade between both countries.
“Sarawak and Sabah enjoy political stability, economic development and social harmony. As the two largest states in Malaysia, the two have rich resources and huge potential for development.
“While China’s economy continues to grow, it is expected that within the next five years, it will import US$10 trillion worth of commodities and invest US$500 billion from overseas.
“I hope all dear friends from Sarawak and Sabah would timely grasp these opportunities. The Chinese Consulate General in Kuching is more than willing to offer assistance and services,” he said at the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, and 20th anniversary of the Consulate General of China here last Sunday night.
Yang i-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem were present at the dinner.
Liu said the relationship between China and Malaysia had brought about fruitful and concrete results over the last 40 years.
Last year alone, he said the trade volume was beyond US$100 billion while the flow of people between both countries registered more than three million.
“We are good neighbours, good friends and good partners. Malaysia is China’s number one trade partner among Asean countries, number three in Asia and number six worldwide in terms of country to country trade.
“This is marvellous. Without the relationship upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, I believe that the future of China-Malaysia relations will be even brighter.”
China has developed by leaps and bounds since its establishment in 1949, particularly so after its economic reform in 1979, pointed out Liu.
At present, the republic is the world’s second largest economy and the largest trading country.
“The comprehensive power of China has been greatly strengthened and the living standards of its people have improved a great deal.
“We are working very hard towards realising ‘China Dream’, which simply put, is to turn China into a prosperous, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious country by 2049. We are confident that we will get there.”
Liu was pleased the local community had organised more than 10 major functions to mark the 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
To further observe the occasion, Liu said a top Chinese arts troupe – Oriental Singing and Dancing Troupe – had been invited to perform in Miri and here on Oct 10 and 12 respectively.
“I’m sure you will enjoy the show.”