(From right) Dr Mah, Zhou, Tan, Koay and Loke at the gathering to mark the centre’s anniversary. — KT GOH/The Star
A GATHERING was held to mark the 7th anniversary of MCA’s Belt and Road Centre in Penang.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said that Malaysia, with its neutral stance, stood to benefit greatly from fostering a closer collaboration with China.
He said the party had been active for years in building a relationship with China.
“China and Malaysia could further strengthen their relationship through education. China is advanced in technology and science and the Chinese have been putting these advancements to work through research and daily life applications.
“Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is the National Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Council chairman, has also urged youths to take the opportunity to pursue higher education in China to gain knowledge in various fields, especially technology,” said Dr Mah at the gathering in Penang.
He said it could be mutually beneficial as Malaysia could provide a good environment for Chinese students who come to pursue education.
“This will further strengthen our relationship. We have built a strong bond and friendship with China over the past 50 years and we have benefitted from its development,” he added.
In 2016, MCA became the first foreign political party to support China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) global trade strategy.
In June 2017, MCA’s Belt and Road Centre in Penang was launched to attract Chinese investment to the state.
Earlier, MCA’s BRI committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said in his speech that since its establishment in 2016, the committee had committed to building a bridge for information, economic and trade exchanges for Malaysian and China’s entrepreneurs.
“China’s promotion of the BRI has brought huge development opportunities to other countries.
“Under this initiative, the committee has made remarkable achievements in promoting cooperation and exchanges between Malaysia and China.
“Last year alone, we received 28 business delegations from China and held dialogues and exchanges with more than 425 Chinese entrepreneurs.
“The 5th World Association Presidents’ Conference held last month (co-organised by MCA) attracted 350 Chinese entrepreneurs with more than 800 Malaysian and Chinese entrepreneurs gathering to share information and business opportunities,” he said.
Tan, who is also MCA vice-president, said the party had successfully led nearly 100 local entrepreneurs to visit China, facilitating a number of important cooperation projects.
“We helped entrepreneurs seize big opportunities and jointly create win-win cooperation between Malaysia and China,” he said.
Tan said Malaysian and China’s entrepreneurs had greatly benefitted from the Malaysia-China “Belt and Road” Economic and Trade Information Consultation Centre.
“The centre was established by the committee to promote cooperation between Malaysian and China enterprises.
“The centre not only provides opportunities for enterprises, but also systematically analyses the needs and potential of various industries through digital means to match entrepreneurs with the best partners,” he added.
Tan said MCA did not directly participate in business activities in the BRI but created opportunities and provided support for enterprises.
“China companies have brought great potential for cooperation opportunities, with their financial strength and high-end technology. Malaysia has a well-planned talent chain and implements efficient policies.
“These advantages complement China’s resources, providing a solid foundation for the two countries to work together to tap the potential for economic growth.
“We urge local businesses to seize these opportunities and use our platform.”
According to Tan, after the implementation of the visa-free policy between Malaysia and China, the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides would usher a new wave of development.
Also present during the dinner were Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Zhou Youbin, Penang MCA executive adviser Datuk Koay Kar Huah, Penang MCA vice-chairman Datuk Dr Loke Poh Chye and other leaders.
