Step up Malacca-China bilateral cooperation to boost economy

MALACCA: Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob hopes that bilateral cooperation between Malacca and China can be stepped up to boost the economy of both sides.

He said increased cooperation could also boost the sea trade passage between both sides involving the development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Route being initiated by China for the region's economic development.

"With Malacca taking part in this plan, it can be an important port with direct connection with 40 major ports in the world.

"Looking at China's commitment that is so dynamic, the people must take full advantage of this opportunity due to the big economic prospects and which could also help revive the glory of Malacca as a trade hub and a major centre of civilisation in Asia."

Mohd Khalil said this in his speech when opening the first meeting, third term of the 13th Malacca State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negri, here, today.
He said bolstering relations between Malacca and Guangdong province could open up new economic opportunities through the exchange of technology, expertise and human resource.

Mohd Khalil said good relations between Malacca and Guangdong could also boost tourism, besides strengthening relations between the people of both sides.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, when met by reporters, expressed the same, saying: "As a state with not much natural resources, we are looking at other sectors like tourism and manufacturing to boost our economy.

"Hence, we see that China can assist us in tourism and by investing in the industrial sector in Malacca," he said.

This year, Malacca targets 16 million tourist arrivals in the state, compared to 15.03 million achieved last year, with 27.8% of them being foreign tourists.

Malacca also targets to attract investments worth RM5 billion this year, compared to RM4.4 billion achieved in 2014, of which RM1.8 billion came from foreign investors. – Bernama