ALOR SETAR, Aug 14 (NNN-BERNAMA) — China’s Shaanxi province has expressed interest in establishing economic and trade cooperation with Kedah, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir said.
The intention was expressed by Hu Heping, secretary of the Party of Shaanxi Provincial Committee, during a meeting with Mukhriz in Xi’an, China on Tuesday.
The Menteri Besar was on a one-week working visit to Xi’an and Shanghai since Sunday.
Hu, in his welcoming address at the meeting, said the cooperation was aimed at realising the cooperation harnessed between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the One Belt, One Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in April.
Mukhriz, in a statement, said Hu also hoped to enhance the cooperation forged through the strategic partnerships established between China and Malaysia under the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative.
Hu said Shaanxi is now taking advantage of its geographical position, as well as excellence in science, education and industry to develop its economic hub, portal and telecommunications, as well as build an independent trade zone.
He said among the areas that could be explored were agriculture, tourism, transportation, and the exchange of expertise.
In his response speech, Mukhriz invited entrepreneurs from Shaanxi to participate in the Kedah industrialisation programme, including developing the Science and Technology Park; the Special Border Economic Zone in Bukit Kayu Hitam; the Rubber City in Padang Terap; and the aerospace city development in the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project.
“We are ready to take advantage of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative to enhance our partnership with Shaanxi by providing a conducive environment for Shaanxi investors in Kedah, while further strengthening our relationship,” he said.
— NNN-BERNAMA
