SPEECH BY MR. FRANCISCO MUNIS, CONSUL GENERAL OF MALAYSIA IN GUANGZHOU AT THE MALAYSIAN NIGHT DINNER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 107TH CANTON FAIR ON 16 APRIL 2010
Y.Bhg. Datuk Yong Ah Pwi
President of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Liu Jian Ching
Director of Foreign Trade Center, Guangzhou
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Chong Chong Tik
Managing Director
ES Event Management Sdn Bhd
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First and foremost, I would like to thank the organiser of tonight’s dinner, ES Event Management Sdn. Bhd. for inviting me and the Consulate circle to attend this function together with the Malaysian exhibitors participating in the 107th Canton Fair.
As you’re all aware, I just assumed office on the 8th April 2010 as the Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou. Being new here, naturally, I am eager and I look forward to learn and work together with our businessmen here in Guangdong.
I was informed that this year, 35 Malaysian companies participated in this year Canton Fair, occupying 49th exhibiting booths. I hope that you have had good business transactions and networking since the opening of the fair last Thursday.
Canton Fair has a long historical tradition. At the same time, Guangdong has now become a manufacturing hub and has about 100 million populations. Based on these facts, I believed that you have made the right decision to participate in this fair, not only in making it as a platform to promote your products into China but also as a strategic step to tap the potentially large Chinese market. We hope that, your active participation in this Canton Fair will push China as Malaysia’s number one export destination in the years to come.
Malaysia currently enjoys excellent relationship with China and the momentum of growth and potential between Malaysia and China especially in political and social relations, trade and economy, investment and tourism is accelerating at the speed if I may say, beyond expectation.
If we recall, Malaysia became the first ASEAN country to formally established diplomatic ties with China. Our Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Hj Abdul Razak visited China last year. Likewise, the Chinese President, His Excellency Mr. Hu Jintao has also reciprocated the visit to Malaysia. Earlier, many of our former and current leaders at the various levels have also exchanged visits with their Chinese counterparts. These regular exchanges made at the highest level of leadership between the two countries have intensified the glorious moment in Malaysia-China diplomacy height since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.
In term of trade, Malaysia is China’s top 10 trading partner (ranked 9) and ranked first among ASEAN countries. Malaysia is also the 7th largest imports source for China and also placed as the highest ranking among the ASEAN countries. In 2009, China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner as well as the number one imports source and second largest exports destination.
All these have ascertained the view that the momentum of growth and vast potential between both countries will not stop but instead will grow exponentially beyond any limit.
I must also congratulate the Malaysia – China Chamber of Commerce for the hard work and dedication in promoting Malaysia-China trade relation. We are very appreciative of such effort and we hope that the Chamber will continue with the good work and will flourish further in the objectives.
While we all take pride in our trade and business successes here in Guangdong, besides making profit and to prosper in business, our businessmen need also strive to build and present their image as a respected Malaysian businessman. In doing so, you will acquire the image of a hardworking and clean business people. This will also contribute to the uplifting of Malaysia’s reliability as a trading nation.
To this, I felt compel to urge and to offer friendly reminder to all our honourable businessmen to conduct their businesses by adhering to the proper local procedures and to stay away from engaging themselves into delicate situations. As such, it is advisable to avoid getting entangled with the Chinese authorities such as the custom or the inspection authority (CIQ) by following the prescribed local rules and procedures.
Last but not least, we should also work together to contribute towards achieving our nation’s aspiration in realising the concept of 1 Malaysia. In the business context, both our public and private sectors should mutually work together, not one way but in a two way interactions.
I have with me here tonight, all my Consuls for information, trade, investment, tourism and immigration. We are all open for discussion and ideas with you. With this note, I wish you all the best in your business undertakings and let us have a good networking and exchanging of ideas tonight.
Thank you.