Melodic tribute: Ouyang (right) along with a choir, performing the song ‘My Motherland’ during the reception. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: There was a 10.8% increase in trade volume between Malaysia and China for the first seven months of this year compared to last year, says Ouyang Yujing.
The Chinese ambassador to Malaysia said the trade volume from January to July this year had reached US$117.52bil (RM549.84bil).
Ouyang said China’s non-financial direct investment in Malaysia had grown to US$1.28bil (RM5.99bil), an increase of 28.8% from the previous year.
“In addition, Chinese tourists to Malaysia have surged to 1.8 million, a rise of 160%.
“There are now around 450 flights operating weekly between China and Malaysia, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers,” he said during the 75th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China yesterday.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.
Ouyang also said significant progress had been made under the strategic guidance of leaders from both nations towards building the China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future.
“The past 50 years saw great legacies for us to cherish and carry forward which also ensured the success of our half-century journey.
“Mutual respect and trust are deeply rooted in our commitments to embarking on our journey together, our adherence to independent foreign policies advocating peace, development and justice, and our sincerity and integrity in treating each other as genuine friends.
“At this historical juncture, let us stay inspired by what we have achieved in the past and work harder to shape a more promising future together,” he said.
Ouyang highlighted that China’s economy had grown significantly over the past 75 years, with its gross domestic product increasing 1,856-fold since 1949.
He added that the living standards in China had also improved with the eradication of extreme poverty.
“China has also taken on a more active role in global affairs,” he said.
Ouyang said by practising an independent foreign policy, China is committed to contributing to global peace and prosperity.
“Initiatives such as the ‘Belt and Road’ and ‘Global Development’ reflect China’s evolving role in global governance,” he added.
Later, Ouyang, together with a choir, performed a song “My Motherland” during the reception.
Nearly 1,000 distinguished guests from the political and business sectors of both countries attended the event.
Also present were Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and Bernama chairman and SMG adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
