Fruitful discussion: (From left) Dr Wee walking with Azhar and Ouyang during the luncheon at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China are looking into increasing flight routes and frequencies, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Transport Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia are discussing working together with their Chinese counterparts.
“We hope the frequency of flights will surpass that recorded in pre-pandemic times and therefore boost the economy of both nations, especially in travel for business and tourism,” he said at the China’s Future: Development and Opportunities luncheon at a hotel here yesterday.
Dr Wee also hailed China’s status as Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009.
“In the first eight months of this year, Malaysia’s trade has jumped 31.1% year-on-year and our imports and exports have increased significantly in the past nine months. “I hope to see further improvements such as these in the near future,” he said.
Dr Wee reiterated the significance of the East Coast Rail Line cooperation with China.
“This connects the Greater Klang Valley with not only the east coast of the peninsula but also Indo-China and eventually China,” he said.
Dr Wee, who is MCA president, also touched on the role played by the party in promoting bilateral ties between both countries.
“MCA bridges China with the ruling party to integrate China’s Belt and Road Initiative with our national development policies to reap rewards together with our Chinese counterpart,” he said, adding that MCA would continue to play an active role in leveraging this bilateral link for greater success in various sectors.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the just-concluded successful hosting of its 20th National Congress and welcomed the renewed Politburo Standing Committee.
Also present at the reception were Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president Tan Sri Dr Goh Tian Chuan and University of Technology Sarawak vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid.
