(From left) Chow presenting the appointment letter to Cha as the new honorary consul-general of Fiji in Penang, witnessed by Tagicakirewa at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya, Penang.
THE new honorary consul-general of Fiji in Penang, Datuk Cha Hoo Peng, will boost stronger relations between the state government and Fiji, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said Cha, 60, who is a businessman and Penangite, established business relations with Fiji 15 years ago.
“I congratulate him on this appointment,” Chow said in his speech during the inauguration ceremony of Cha’s appointment at The Light Hotel, Penang, on Saturday.
The ceremony was also held to mark Fiji’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
Chow said the state government is ever supportive of the growing number of consular representations in Penang and welcomes more exposure for Penang in Fiji and her regional neighbours.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order, investors remain confident in Penang,” he said.
“I believe Penang’s sustainable environment, vigorous industrial ecosystem and supportive
infrastructure are among the aspects that continue to attract these investors.”
Chow added that he looked forward to a stronger relationship between Penang and Fiji.
Cha said that with his appointment, he hopes to enhance ties between Penang and Fiji.
“I am indeed honoured to be the bearer of Fiji’s flag in Penang.
“I will fulfil the call with the same patriotism I have given Penang and Malaysia,” he said.
Present at the ceremony were acting High Commissioner of Fiji to Malaysia Pita Tagicakirewa, State Assembly Speaker Datuk
Law Choo Kiang, consul-general of Japan in Penang Kanoya Shinichiro and consul-general of Indonesia in Penang Bambang Suharto.
Fiji is a country located in the South Pacific.
It is an archipelago of more than 300 islands about 1,100 nautical miles north of New Zealand.
It has a population of about 900,000.
Fiji is one of the most developed economies in the Pacific, bolstered with abundant forest, mineral and fish resources.
It was colonised by the British in 1874 and gained independence in 1970.
