Cheng (fifth right) presents a souvenir to Dr Sim. Seen from fourth right to right are Manyin, Abdul Karim, Lee and Dr Jerip.
KUCHING: China and Sarawak will continue to explore potential areas for collaboration which will help in developing the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said China’s meteoric rise as an economic power has brought about deep impact to other countries, especially those in  South East Asia, who would be able to ride on China’s success.
“China consul-general’s office here has always been helpful to us in our various initiatives to tap into China’s economic and technological strength inorder to develop our economy. The consulate-general provides us with the essential connection between Sarawak and China authorities, businessmen and investors in our efforts to develop and add value to our natural resources,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner here on Wednesday.
His text of speech read by Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Abang Johari went on to say the development of Sarawak’s hydro-electric potential, investment in energy-intensive industries in Samalaju, and high-tech manufacturing in Samajaya (Kuching) might not have been possible without China’s expertise and economic strength.
“The co-operation between China and Sarawak shall continue; they will enter into a number of understandings to explore various areas of collaboration, especially in the oil and gas, and petro-chemical sectors.
“As Sarawak aspires to be a developed state by 2030, billions of ringgit are being allocated to build a network of roads, including in the rural areas. Without good connectivity, our economy will not move forward fast.
“We are also putting in place a system that allows people to transact business across borders through the Internet. Sarawak, through Sarawak Pay has collaborated with Union Pay that allows payments and receipt of payments to be done seamlessly. 
This will help in the trade between China and Sarawak.”
He also thanked the consul-general for his commitment to help strengthen the cultural and trade relations between China and Sarawak.
On the Lunar New Year, he said it is a time of great joy and celebrations for our Chinese friends.
“Chinese New Year celebration has become a part of our cultural diversity, much like other festivals and religious celebrations in Sarawak.
“It cannot be denied that the Chinese community has always been an important part of Sarawak’s political and economic life. Chinese business acumen, their vision and industriousness have positioned the community in the forefront of business, trade and industry in the state, which provide thousands of jobs for our people, and bring revenue to the state through taxes.”
Meanwhile, Cheng Guangzhong China’s consul-general in Kuching, said China would continue to expand bilateral relations with Malaysia.
He also said that Sarawak had established friendly relations with three provinces and 26 cities and districts in China.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture  Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang were among those who attended the dinner.
BY IRENE C ON 
NEWS, SARAWAK