Step Up Melaka-China Bilateral Cooperation To Boost Economy - Governor

MELAKA (Malaysia), March 3 (Bernama) -- Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri (Governor of Melaka), Mohd Khalil Yaakob hopes that bilaterial cooperation between Melaka 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 Melaka 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 Melaka 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 Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri, here, Monday. He said bolstering relations between Melaka and Guangdong province could open up new economic opportunities through the exchange of technology, expertise and human resource. Mohd Khalil said good relations between Melaka and Guangdong could also boost tourism, besides strengthening relations between the people of both sides. Melaka Chief Minister 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 Melaka," he said. This year, Melaka targets 16 million tourist arrivals in the state, compared to 15.03 million achieved last year, with 27.8 per cent of them being foreign tourists. Melaka also targets to attract investments worth US$1.37 billion (RM5 billion) this year, compared to US$1.21 billion (RM4.4 billion) achieved in 2014, of which RM1.8 billion came from foreign investors. (US$1 = RM3.62) -- BERNAMA