Dalian in China now a friendship city with Ipoh

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin

IPOH: Dalian in China is Ipoh's latest friendship city, says mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.

He said this would be the second city in China to have such a relationship with Ipoh after Nanning.

“Following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to China, the friendship between Dalian and Ipoh will revolve around digital economy, education, culture and tourism.

“We met with the city's mayor earlier this month and another team from Dalian will visit to present their plans for the partnership,” he told reporters after attending the city council's full board meeting at its headquarters here on Friday (April 28)

On March 30, Anwar arrived in Beijing for his maiden official visit to the country. From the trip, he brought back RM170bil in investment pledges as well as developments in ties that include seeking consensus in bilateral, regional and international issues of interest to both countries.

Rumaizi said while many aspects of the friendship with Dalian are still in discussion, the digital economy sector will start with the setting up of a technology park in Kanthan.

“The park will be built near the Ceramic Industrial Park. This place was chosen because of its strategic location and size.

“As for other sectors, a meeting will be held in May with representatives from Dalian.

“The Ipoh council will work with other agencies and non-governmental organisations to ensure a fruitful relationship,” he said.

Separately, Rumaizi said the council was still discussing the inclusion of a Touch ’n Go payment option at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Perak’s parking lot.

“We have not (decided) anything yet. But rest assured that if we do add the service, visitors can still opt for various ways to pay for parking,” he said.