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KUALA LUMPUR: Durian diplomacy once again sweetened things up between China and Malaysia as a Chinese leader and an ambassador raved about the Malaysian delight.
Referring to the taste of Malaysian fruits, Ma Hui, vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, described the Malaysia-China agricultural cooperation as “sweet”.
He noted that durian as well as jackfruit and other produce of this tropical country are extremely popular among Chinese consumers.
“Durian is really not bad,” he said to applause from some 450 attendees at the 5th Belt and Road Malaysia-China Business Dialogue here yesterday.
The event, themed “Harnessing a Half-century of Partnership for Unprecedented Prosperity”, was among the activities held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations this year.
Ma, who is in Malaysia for the third time, said China has been Malaysia’s biggest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
The bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China has climbed from below US$200mil in 1974 to a projected over US$200bil this year. To date, the figure has hit US$190bil (RM846bil).
“The economic and trade ties are thriving. The visa exemption between China and Malaysia has also greatly facilitated personnel exchanges, as well as tourism and cultural cooperation,” he added.
Ma said China has put forward over 300 important reform measures at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee meeting in July aimed at promoting high-quality economic development, improving the people’s quality of life and building a beautiful China.
“This will bring about new opportunities for collaboration between China and Malaysia.
“Relations between the two sides in traditional fields such as infrastructure and industrial integration have deepened and there is broad space for cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy,” he added.
He called on the business community from both nations to jointly explore new opportunities, make full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and enhance people-to-people connectivity. Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing lauded Malaysia’s move to export fresh durian to China.
“Thanks to the export of fresh durian to China this August, the Chinese people can get the real Malaysian taste, which is such an unforgettable experience,” he said in his speech.
Ouyang said the visa-free policy granted to both countries’ citizens has greatly spurred cultural interactions.
“The first nine months of this year saw 2.53 million Chinese tourists visit Malaysia, an increase of 144% compared to the same period last year.
“Last month, China extended the stay duration of visa-free Malaysian citizens in China from 15 to 30 days so that they can explore and enjoy the beauty of China at leisure,” he added.
Ouyang said both countries should continue to promote high-quality cooperation in flagship projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Two Parks” cooperation.“We should further efforts to build ‘small but beautiful’ projects, and strengthen cooperation in rail transit and infrastructure constructions.”
He also said China is hopeful of Malaysia playing a more significant role in enhancing regional cooperation as the latter assumes the Asean chair next year.
“China is willing to work with Malaysia to push forward the implementation of the China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0 and jointly implement the RCEP.”
