The China-Malaysia Port Alliance, which was established in 2015 to facilitate connectivity under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, accepted five new members September 4 as both countries aim for bigger trade volumes.
Port authorities from China’s Qingdao and Tianjin as well as those from Malaysia’s Kemaman, Sabah, and Kuching were added to the 16-member organization, bringing the total number of members to 21, according to a report by Xinhua News.
Liu Peng, a senior official with China’s transport ministry, said the alliance has become a platform for ports from both countries to share information and learn from each other.
He cited the new shipping routes between the two countries, higher throughout capacity, and higher investments in each other’s ports such as China’s investment in the Melaka Gateway and Kuantan Port and Malaysia’s investment in Weifang Port as among the benefits being derived from the cooperation.
The partnership between the nine Malaysian and 12 Chinese ports is intended to pave the way for cooperation in various disciplines including port studies, training and apprenticeship, technical assistance, exchange of information, traffic development, and promotion of trade services between ports, said Malaysia’s Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai at the holding of the alliance’s annual meeting.
The port alliance can become “an avenue for both countries and our ports to learn and share best practices and knowledge which will enhance operational efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business,” said Liow.
Photo: Arrorro
