By: Aida Azizi
IPOH: The 18-year friendship city relationship between Nanning, China, and Ipoh has proven to have many positive impacts from both economic and cultural perspectives for the two nations.
The cooperation established in 2005 has not only strengthened the friendship between the two cities but has also encompassed the overall relations between China and Malaysia.
Chairperson of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, stated that the objective of this friendship between the two cities is to enhance and promote understanding and friendship between the people of Malaysia and China.
“Over eighteen years of friendship, both cities have created a bond of understanding and collaboration. This includes events such as the Nanning International Folk Song Art Festival, the China-ASEAN Expo, and the Asian Mayors’ Forum, as well as official visits and courtesy calls.
“The relationship includes cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, trade, culture, education, and sports.
“Nanning has contributed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a diplomatic effort involving higher authorities, namely the state government.
“A bilateral meeting will be held soon, where I hope entrepreneurs from both cities will discuss potential business networks and industries that can be explored by Ipoh and Nanning in the future,” she said.
She made these remarks while delivering her speech at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Renew the Establishment of the Nanning Friendship City, China, and Ipoh City, held last night.
Also present were Deputy Director of the Nanning Foreign Affairs Office, Huang Haiyan, and Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
Meanwhile, Huang Haiyan expressed hopes that the relationship between the two cities will open up more opportunities for cooperation while strengthening the ties between China and Malaysia.
“Previously, Nanning donated two respiratory assistance devices (ventilators) to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.
“In addition, over the past two decades, leaders from both cities have maintained close cooperation in various sectors, including culture, economy, investment, and healthcare,” she said.
During the ceremony, Huang Haiyan signed the MoU on behalf of the city of Nanning, while Rumaizi represented the city of Ipoh.
