KEY personnel of the Canadian High Commission this afternoon made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in Komtar.
Led by High Commissioner to Malaysia, Julia Greenwood Bentley, the Canadian officials comprised counsellor and senior trade commissioner Darcee Munroe, councillor (political) Esther Van Ness and the honorary consul in Penang, Datuk Tan Yew Thong.
The Canadian delegation besides congratulating Chow over his appointment as the new Chief Minister of Penang, also discussed issues concerning the Penang Transport Master Plan, the Penang International Airport, Port Swettenham Cruise Terminal as well as festivals and arts.
About the Transport Master Plan, Chow revealed that the Line Rail Transit (LRT) will be a cheaper financing model.
The chief minister said in view of the current resources of the state, Penang will need to look for a less expensive approach, as the Transport Master Plan will cost billions of ringgit.
On the upgrading of the Penang Airport facilities to cater for the increase in the number of passengers, the Chow said plans are currently ongoing for the expansion of the existing airport and the construction of a new runway.
“We hope the project could start in the beginning of next year,” he added.
When asked about Penang plans for Vision 2030, Chow said the state is doing fine in the quest to achieve the stated goals of the vision.
“We hope all Penang residents will be able to see a more liveable city for their families in the near future,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Bentley also highlighted issues like gender equality in the Asean region and organising festivals for the promotion of arts and culture.
In response, the chief minister said Malaysia and Penang in particular is always keen on issues concerning gender equality and organising festivals.
Quoting an example, Chow said the George Town Festival (GTF) is an annual event organised and sponsored by the state government.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan