FIVE new ports in Malaysia and China are now part of the China-Malaysia Port Alliance, said Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai.

The ports, namely Jing Tang Port and Tianjin Port in China, and Kemaman, Sabah and Kuching Ports, are part of the alliance aimed at enhancing cooperation in various disciplines, including port studies, training and apprenticeship, technical assistance, exchange of information, traffic development and promotion of trade services between the ports.

“China has the best ports in the world, and this cooperation will pave the way for a brighter future for both countries in leveraging on the people’s potential and resources,” said Liow after officiating at the 2nd China-Malaysia Port Alliance Annual Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

He said another objective of the alliance was to facilitate trade using ports in Malaysia and China as the gateway.

“In an effort to link Malaysian and Chinese businesses, logistics players will have to expand their ventures into both countries.”

He said currently, Malaysian authorities were expanding key ports, mainly Port Klang, to facilitate an anticipated increase in the number of vessels.

“The ministry is also planning to open the Melaka Gateway for use by cruise ships as their docking destination, as well as maintenance services. Currently, only Penang Port has the facilities for this.”

In the meeting, Liow said Malaysia would put forward initiatives such as assisting ports to emerge as leading entities in the Asean region, as the country was the earliest supporter of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative.

“The initiative will, without a doubt, open new frontiers and provide opportunities for both countries in terms of logistics.”

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, and with the Belt and Road initiative announced in 2013, the economy in the region is expected to further grow.

Bilateral trade last year stood at RM240.91 billion. – Bernama, September 4, 2017.