Malaysia Should Plug Into New Wave China, Says Ex-Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should "plug" more into the new economic wave of China, especially in the green technology sector as they are now leading the way, in terms of solar energy, says former Human Resources Minister Dr. Fong Chan Onn. "They are now the largest producer for solar panel to the European countries," he told reporters during a panel session at the third World Chinese Economic Forum here today, entitled, "China Rises, Asean and East Asia Benefits: How China Growth is impacting the Region." With Malaysia's extensive resources, the two countries could leverage on each other, he said, adding that Malaysia could also learn from them and be part of their supply chain. Another sector Malaysia should be proactive in attracting Chinese visitors to the country is medical tourism, Fong suggested. He called on the local players in the sector to be more proactive, utilising on the advantages of having more solid treatments from other regional countries to attract more tourists from China to Malaysia. At present, active steps have been taken to attract the Indonesian and Saudi Arabian market but the China market must also be a target as it is a much bigger market, he said. -- BERNAMA Malaysia