(Front row, from fifth left) Ouyang, Loke and Loo tossing yee sang with other VIPs during the Chinese New Year event at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. – RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
THE Chinese New Year event hosted by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) was not just to welcome the Year of the Rabbit but also to celebrate the robust economic and social ties between Malaysia and China.
It was MCCC’s first grand celebration since the Covid-19 pandemic started, with some 500 guests present at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
Representing the Prime Minister at the event, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he hoped that both countries would continue to strengthen development strategies and keep expanding cooperation to achieve more results in various fields.
“In 2021, China ranked as the fourth largest source of foreign direct investment in Malaysia, with an investment amounting to RM16.6bil and projects expected to create nearly 14,000 jobs in Malaysia.
“Our country is striving for economic recovery.
“The new Malaysian government is keen to restore the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors, and actively attract investment,” said Loke.
He also emphasised the importance of the chamber of commerce in social development, acting as a bridge between the government and overseas business community besides helping to lay the foundation for attracting investment.
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, in his speech, highlighted the efforts of China and Malaysia to advance projects such as “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)
Referring to the resilience of the China-Malaysia cooperation despite challenging economic conditions brought by the pandemic, Ouyang pointed out that trade and investment between the countries had been growing steadily.
“China will continue to encourage its enterprises to increase investments in Malaysia to help boost its economy and upgrade its industrial structure.
“It is expected that there will be more people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries after this spring festival.
“China-Malaysia relations are bound to enter an even brighter era,” he said.
MCCC president Loo Kok Seong, in his welcoming speech, said the reopening of China’s borders on Jan 8 was good news and the time was ripe for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
He urged them to join MCCC’s activities.
“MCCC has always prioritised business matching, encouraging members to grow their networks and exchange ideas to increase their opportunities.
“It has become an important platform for SMEs to enter the China market,”
He also reminded the public that MCCC was a multicultural organisation.
A line-up of Cabinet ministers attended the celebration, including Science and Technology Minister Chang Lih Kang, Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong and Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin.
