Fu speaking at the forum.
KUCHING: Companies from China are willing to help the state implement the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions.
China’s consul general in Kuching Fu Jijun said Chinese companies can offer professional help in designing, constructing and maintaining light railways as they have rich experience in such infrastructure projects.
He believed that it would not take long for the proposed project to become a reality if the state government decided to work with experienced China’s companies.
“Chief Minister of Sarawak Abang Johari has recently proposed to build an LRT system to connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian. Chinese companies are experienced in building railways and can offer professional help once the Chief Minister makes a decision,” he said at the Guo Clan Economic Forum held at the Imperial Hotel here yesterday.
Fu was one of the speakers at the half-day forum organised by the Sarawak Hong Yong Kueh Clansman Association.
The Chinese diplomat pointed out that China has proposed to jointly build the railway from China to Thailand and Malaysia so that Malaysian products would not only be transported to China by land but also to Central Asia and Europe through the gateway of China.
He said Chinese companies from China have also been actively involved in the intercity light railway construction in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Besides, Chinese companies are closely following the tender of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed railway. The largest Chinese company producing locomotives has begun to set up its production line in Malaysia.
“China Railway Group has also decided to set up its Asia Pacific R&D (research and development) centre in Kuala Lumpur,” added Fu.
He said China could also help the state government in upgrading infrastructure to pave way for the development of digital economy.
He noted that Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had said that Sarawak faced a challenge in providing an infrastructure system to support its economic development to export local agricultural and unique products.
“In this area, we have a lot of works to do together. China can help to provide infrastructure in the aspect of enhancing the internet transmission speed. Infrastructure connectivity is China’s strong suit.”
Citing as an example, Fu said Chinese multi-national corporation Huawei – the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world are now cooperating with Malaysia and Sarawak companies.
He added that Huawei and other Chinese companies have advanced technology in setting up the communication cable and satellite information transformation system.
“Huawei established a global training centre in Cyberjaya and training labs in 15 universities in Malaysia. There are 2,500 staff in Huawei Malaysia company, 70 per cent of whom are Malaysians.”
He was glad that Huawei had signed a memorandum of understanding with Sarawak to provide the latest information and communication technology to the state.