PENANG is looking forward to welcoming Chinese tourists after the reopening of China’s borders on Jan 8.
China has mostly closed itself to the world since the Covid-19 pandemic began about three years ago.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was of the view that the border’s reopening would result in a high surge of visitors into and out of the country and state as well.
“This year looks set to be an exciting year for our tourism industry.
“With an estimated total of 2.94 million Chinese tourists having visited the country in 2019 and China being Malaysia’s third tourism market, we look forward to welcoming our friends from China back to our shores.
“I am confident that we can rebuild and strengthen our tourism industry banking on Penang’s appeal as a preferred holiday destination,” he said in his speech during the Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
Chow pointed out that the gathering was a positive start to usher in the Lunar New Year and a new beginning in the long-standing friendship between both sides.
Backed by a strong historical link, Chow said the modern-day diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia started in 1974 and were now in their 49th year.
“In times, especially during the post-Covid-19 pandemic, it is heartening to see the cooperation and assistance which benefitted the people,” he said.
Chow said he also looked forward to the cooperation with Consul-General of China in Penang Zhou Youbin.
“The state’s robust industrial ecosystem offers the enormous prospect to attract foreign investors for years to come alongside the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative to bring more investments to the northern states,” he said.
Zhou Youbin, in his speech, said he was excited to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year in Penang.
“This will be my first celebration here and I look forward to having more exchanges and mutual learning with the state,” he said.
Among those present during the reception were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Penang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Perak Menteri Besar representative Loh Sze Yee, Kedah Menteri Besar representative Robert Ling, Consul-General of Thailand in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Consul-General of Indonesia in Penang Bambang Suharto, Consul-General of Japan in Penang Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu and associations and educational institutions’ representatives.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En