MELAKA: Melaka will leverage on history and envisage a better future for the state when strengthening diplomatic relations with China, says Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
The special advisor on investment and China affairs to the Melaka Chief Minister said three major sectors will be focused on when the state is given the green light to host the 50th-anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
"Tourism, investment opportunities and education excellence will be three areas that the state hopes to strengthen with China," he said in an interview here on Sunday (April 21).
Lim, who is also the Klebang assemblyman, said the local tourism industry would be the key segment that the state is hoping to solidify during the celebration.
He said the celebration is seen as the right platform for the state to organise more tourism-related events and build cultural ties with cities in China.
Lim said the state government will also look into creating a positive impact on its economy and locals' livelihoods by attaching great importance to the relationship with China.
"The event is also timely to consolidate the existing cooperations and continue to promote the steady progress of the China-Melaka relationship," he said.
Lim said various economic zones and industrial parks in the state would be also promoted to Chinese entrepreneurs during the celebration.
Lim added that the state will also look into collaboration with China's universities to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes for local students.
He said TVET plays a significant role in supporting the socioeconomic development of the state, hence, local universities should take advantage of the celebration to firm up cooperation with the Chinese universities.
"The celebration will provide a framework to enhance the ties with China while giving the locals to grasp the trajectory of the relationship as well as ensuring pragmatic cooperation," he said.
On March 26, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state is well-known among Chinese tourists and is the most suitable venue to host the golden celebration.
He said this is due to the state’s long history of relations with China, which began over 600 years ago.
Ab Rauf said this after receiving a courtesy visit from Star Media Group adviser and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at his office in Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh.
