PENANG is looking forward to attracting more visitors following the reopening of international borders and the resumption of travel flights.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state’s tourism industry was expected to grow further.
“I am confident Penang will attract many international travellers via Hong Kong.
“The state strives to be an idyllic holiday destination for travellers.
“Penang has recently attracted many celebrities from Hong Kong and as well as from other countries.
“We can rebuild and strengthen our tourism industry with the support received,” he said in his speech during the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office’s Chinese New Year dinner at G Hotel today.
Chow was glad that the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office maintained its tradition of hosting a Chinese New Year gathering for the business community.
“It is a positive start to mark the new year, chart new beginnings, and write another chapter in the long-standing ties between Hong Kong and Penang,” he said.
Chow was also proud to reveal the state’s achievement in the manufacturing sector.
“It continues to perform well and even exceeded our expectations. The positive trend in Penang’s external trade has continued into 2022 with a remarkable year-on-year increase of 27% in export value, which set a new all-time high of RM452 billion,” he added.
Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office director-general Sheung-yuen Lee said the event was resumed after three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is great to witness the resumption of the occasion. We look forward to strengthening our ties with the Penang government,” he said.
Among those present were state Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, the People’s Republic of China Consul-General Zhou Youbin and Hong Kong Trade Development Council & Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian