Kazakhstan intents to bolster bilateral relations with Malaysia with launch of its first Honorary Consulate in Penang on October 2. The consulate signifies a strategic move to intensify economic and trade ties, deepening relations in tourism and education is a matter of interest of both sides among others, El.kz cites MFA.
The consulate was officially opened by Ambassador Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abd Rahman, Undersecretary, South and Central Asia Division at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Malaysia, Ambassador Bulat Sugurbayev. Dato’ Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau, the founder and executive chairman of the Public Gold Group, has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Penang.
“Penang with its strategic location, business environment and cultural heritage is a perfect place to serve as a gateway to facilitate investment and trade opportunities, to encourage tourism, to enable our peoples to explore new horizons. Establishment of Honorary Consulate in Penang signifies the transformation towards true friendship through building new bridges between Kazakhstan and Malaysia,” Dato’ Syed Bakri highlighted.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan expressed his confidence that there will be more interaction between both sides in the fields of business, investment, and other areas of mutual interest. At a separate meeting with Ambassador Sugurbayev they shared about opportunities for intensifying the bilateral economic ties with Kazakhstan’s new economic course, which provides greater opportunities for investments and doing business in Kazakhstan.
Mentioning the importance of the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Penang, Ambassador Sugurbayev emphasized that “this is a new chapter of relations between our nations. I am looking forward to bolster the economic and people-to-people ties, hence there is a huge potential for doing business, fostering trade, tourism and cultural engagement both in Kazakhstan and Penang”.
Dato’ Wira Louis Ng said he was determined to strengthen the existing bonds between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, to foster economic and trade ties. “I am honored with the appointment as the bearer of Kazakhstan’s flag in Penang and vow to fulfil the call with the same commitment I have for Penang and Malaysia,” he said. His appointment as the honorary consul comes with the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of citizens of Kazakhstan in the region.
Another promising avenue for cooperation lies in technology and innovation, encompassing technology transfer, innovation initiatives, and research and development. Penang, known for its robust electric and electronics sector, has immense potential to share and enhance knowledge in technology and innovation with Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan envoy also met with Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang (the Governor of Penang), who expressed readiness to continue to assist Kazakhstan in deepening regional and interethnic ties. The parties also discussed the implementation of political and socio-economic reforms carried out in Kazakhstan, which create favorable conditions for doing business in the country and attracting investment.
Penang is the third vital spot of economic development in Malaysia. Well-known as the “second Silicon Valley” due to the developed ecosystem of production of electronics with a share of multinational companies, Penang may offer wide range of opportunities for enterprises. Georgetown, the state capital city of Penang, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which attracts tourists from around the world.