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THE number of tourists from China coming to Malaysia from January to August this year had surged beyond the 1.8 million figure, a situation that had exceeded expectations.
Head of China Consulate General Office in Sarawak, Xing Weiping, said the latest figure of 1.8 million China nationals coming to Malaysia for tourism purposes was from official data collected by the China Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
"This 160 per cent increase compared to the same period last year is beyond expectations.
"We anticipate that by the end of this year, at least 3.5 million China tourists will have come to Malaysia by then.
"That will be a new record in terms of China nationals visiting Malaysia for tourism purposes," he said when attending a mooncake festival gathering organised by Chinese associations in Kuching city today.
These latest tourism figures showed very healthy China-Malaysia bilateral relationships, Xing said.
The education sector in Malaysia is also seeing high enrolment of Chinese students.
On Aug 28, it was reported that the number of students from mainland China coming to study in universities in Malaysia has surged beyond the 40,000 mark already.
Xing had then said the figure hit that milestone this year.
"This figure shows that Malaysia is not just a key partner to China in trade and tourism, but also in education.
"The more than 40,000 students from China studying in Malaysia can learn a lot from the education offered in Malaysia.
"As far as trade volume is concerned, China is the largest trading partner to Malaysia.
"Bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed US$200 billion this year," he had said when speaking at a Friendship City gathering ceremony between Miri city and Zhao Ping city.
Xing, whose office is based in the state capital Kuching, said Sarawak is also becoming a state with plenty of potential for business and industrial relations with China.
"The signing of the friendship cities agreements will enhance cultural and social exchanges and future tourism ties," he said. - September 22, 2024
