Ling (seated second right) and Fu (seated second left) in a group photo with members of the committee. Also seen are Wong (seated left) and STA general manager Dr Peter Kho (seated right).
KUCHING: The Forest Plantation Committee of Sarawak Timber Association (STA) hosted a luncheon to record its profound appreciation for the valuable relationship and good cooperation enjoyed with China’s Consulate-General in Kuching under the leadership of Consul-General Fu Jijun over the last two years.
The luncheon was also held following a fruitful study trip to southern China covering Haikou, Zhanjiang and Guangzhou last month to learn about the establishment and management practices of forest plantation.
Fu, together with Consul (Economic and Commercial) Li Wangyuan and vice-Consul Shen Hanying as well as Forest Department (Forest Plantation and Reforestation) senior assistant director Wong Siong Kuan were among those present.
Committee chairman Peter Ling, meanwhile, said China’s vast and diverse knowledge and experience in the forest industry is important, contributing not only to the development of Sarawak but also the world.
“With its history of more than 5,000 years, China’s significant transformation and advancement is characterised by their depth and breadth of knowledge especially through research and development (R&D) and experience,” he said at the luncheon.
Ling also reiterated the committee’s gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese Consulate for their assistance and support in various aspects that have contributed to the success of their trip.
“We had a wonderful time in China, and definitely gained invaluable knowledge, enabling us to rethink our priorities in order to move our forest industry, which is still at the infancy stage, forward. More importantly, the Chinese spirit of struggle is the essence which we should emulate,” he added.
Affirming the big six timber corporations’ important contribution to the economic development of Sarawak, Fu said their major efforts must continue with improvement and better approaches.
“China has also learned many important lessons on forest conservation to a level where we are today and sharing of knowledge is the key for all of us to move forward.
“I am glad the trip to southern China was successful and fruitful. Both Sarawak and China must continue to strengthen our ties and collaboration,” he added.
Fu suggested that the committee takes another study tour to explore northern China, whose forest development and management have recorded good performance as well.