Penang: The prospects for China-Malaysia cooperation and development are brighter than ever as both countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties, said Chinese Consul General in Penang, Zhou Youbin. Zhou remarked during a reception commemorating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China that this year also marks the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with bilateral relations currently at their best in history.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zhou emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Malaysia, highlighting that the two countries are friendly neighbors across the sea. He noted that both nations are actively working to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Zhou pointed out that economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the nations continue to yield fruitful results, with bilateral trade exceeding US$104 billion (RM424 billion) in the first half of this year, alongside over 2.65 million Chinese citizens visiting Malaysia.
Zhou also mentioned that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) construction has reached over 95 percent completion, which serves to further strengthen connectivity between the two countries. He elaborated on sub-national cooperation, stating that northern Malaysian states have engaged actively in exchanges and mutual visits with several Chinese provinces and cities. This includes regions such as Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Fujian, and Shandong, unlocking significant potential for further collaboration.
Chinese-funded enterprises have made substantial investments in northern Malaysia in industries such as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and medical devices. These sectors are characterized by high levels of automation, advanced technology, and environmental friendliness, positioning Chinese enterprises as important partners in the transformation and upgrading of local industries.
Connectivity has also improved with the launch of direct flights from Qingdao and Chongqing to Penang, facilitating deeper people-to-people exchanges between China and northern Malaysia. Zhou highlighted various academic and cultural initiatives that have been carried out to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and closer ties between the people of both countries.