THE gala dinner organised by Asean China Investment Association (ACIA) was held with the hope to foster a closer relationship among its members and stakeholders as well as strengthen ties between different Chinese guild associations.
Held at Wisma Huazong, Seri Kembangan, the dinner entitled “Belt and Road ‘Initiatives – Harmonise For All” also celebrated the appointment of Tan Kok Wai as Malaysia’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China cum Malaysian-China Business Council chairman.
ACIA chartered president Prof Datuk Seri Tang Ying Lik congratulated Tan on his recent appointment.
“Tan has been working in the political scene for 40 years and often goes to the ground to serve the people.
“Now, Tan plays an important role in facilitating the relationship between Malaysia and China,” he said in his opening speech.
Founded in 2016, Asean China Investment Association is a non-governmental, non-profit and independent business association that aims to promote interaction, cooperation and development in trade, investment and other industrial and commercial sectors between Asean and China regions.
In the Belt and Road initiative, Asean is both an important base and preferred area for China, which is Asean’s largest trading partner.
Tan, who is Cheras MP, said China and Asean countries cooperate for common interests and address unforeseen circumstances that arise in the US-China trade war.
“Our Government upholds the principle of a multilateral free trade system, and we should enhance our existing ties to explore more business and trade opportunities as well as investment potentials in China.
“We will not neglect the Belt and Road Initiative which benefits all countries involved.
“This was evident as the joint declaration announced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who set 2020 as the Year of Culture and Tourism for the two countries, and a five-year programme for economic and trade cooperation from 2018 to 2022, will be discussed to further enhance
the relationship between both countries,” he said.
Tan added that Asean countries would also be affected should there be a fluctuation in China’s economy.
“The main responsibility between Asean countries and China is to drive economy, improve the lifestyles of people and prosper together,” he said.
China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the ninth consecutive year since 2009.
Also present were ACIA deputy president Datuk Low Boon Hing; organising chairman Kua Sok Hwa; Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun; state assemblymen Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, Ean Yong Hian Wah and Lai Wai Chong; Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association KL and Selangor adviser Tan Sri Tang Yeam Soon; president Tan Kim Onm and Huazong Cultural Committee chairman Tan Tat Chin as well as other Chinese guild association members.
(Source : The Star, 17 October 2018)
