SEGAMAT: Ports in Malaysia are ready to form an alliance with ports in China as part of efforts to enhance trade between the two countries, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The alliance could also support China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative to expand trade in the region, he said.
“Malaysia has many international ports, including Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Bintulu Port and Kuantan Port, which we can form into an alliance with ports in China.
“This could raise our competitiveness, enhance our container processing, expedite all processes with less bureaucracy, and help each other with the concept (of the alliance),” he said at a press conference here today.
Liow, who is also MCA President, made the remarks after opening the Johor MCA convention attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department-cum-MCA Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“We invite other ASEAN countries to join us in exploring this vast market and trade, one day I hope there could be a port alliance between ASEAN and China,” Liow said.
China has given a lot of support to Malaysia in developing the latter’s ports, he said, citing Kuantan Port, in which Chinese investors hold a 40% stake, and Melaka, where the republic is supporting the state’s efforts to develop the Melaka Gateway tourism project.
“The memorandum of understanding signed between Melaka and China’s Guangdong province also shows China’s commitment to raising bilateral trade between the two countries,” he added.
