By Dayak Daily Team,Editor KB

Copyright dayakdaily

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 27: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is seeking closer cultural and tourism collaboration with China’s Henan Province through proposals for joint food festivals, cultural exhibitions, and education exchange programmes, aimed at deepening people-to-people ties and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng highlighted this when delivering the keynote address at the 15th China Henan International Investment and Trade Fair (CHIITF) in Zhengzhou on Friday (Sept 26) on behalf of Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He emphasised Kuching’s strengths as Sarawak’s capital city, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and a rapidly growing hub for trade, tourism, and education.

“There are mutual advantages in trade and manufacturing, given that Henan’s industrial capacity and logistics infrastructure could complement Sarawak’s rich natural resources and strategic access to ASEAN markets.

“Collaboration in clean energy technology, digital economy, and agro-processing also aligns with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he stressed, noting the potential for long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

He made the remarks during the China (Henan)–Malaysia Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange session, which was attended by leaders and delegates from China, Malaysia, and 28 countries worldwide.

On the cultural front, Wee spotlighted initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties, including food festivals, cultural showcases, and student exchange programs between Kuching and Henan.

He said such collaborations would not only boost tourism but also enhance mutual appreciation of heritage and traditions.

Wee also welcomed the entry of Mixue, Henan’s well-known beverage chain, into Kuching’s thriving food and beverage scene. With several outlets already established, Mixue’s expansion reflects growing confidence in Kuching’s investment climate while generating new job opportunities for locals.

“Discussions are also ongoing to explore the possibility of setting up Mixue’s Southeast Asia logistics office in Kuching, which would further cement the city’s role as a regional distribution hub,” he added.

Reaffirming MBKS’s commitment, Wee pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with Zhengzhou and Henan Province by exploring collaborations in industrial technology, digital transformation, education, and cultural tourism under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

His keynote, delivered at one of China’s largest trade and investment fairs, underscores MBKS’s proactive approach in pursuing strategic global partnerships to drive economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable urban development for Kuching.

Organised by the People’s Government of Henan Province, CHIITF is a premier state-approved platform for industrial cooperation, investment promotion, and trade connectivity. This year’s edition, held from Sept 26–28, brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to foster partnerships in industrial manufacturing, digital economy, cultural tourism, and sustainable development. — DayakDaily