MALAYSIA AND YUNNAN TO STRENGTHEN TOURISM COOPERATION

From Choi Wen Feei

KUNMING, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and China's southwestern Yunnan
province will sign a memorandum of understanding next year to jointly promote
tourism between both sides, Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

A delegation from Yunnan will be in Malaysia to ink the memorandum and meet
Malaysian tour operators.

"After signing the MoU, both parties can study the type of cooperation and
investment in developing the tourism industry," Ng said here.

Earlier, Ng called on Yunnan vice-governor Liu Ping.

Ng is leading a delegation here to attend the four-day 2009 China
International Travel Mart which began in the provincial capital here Thursday.

The minister said Malaysia and Yunnan could work together to organise
seminars and training programmes to develop high quality travel packages.

"I always believe in mutual cooperation and working together to ensure
success," she said.

Ng said as Yunnan had about two million Muslims and a variety of halal food
in Kunming, the two sides could look into how to work together to develop new
market and business opportunities.

Meanwhile, Liu Ping proposed that Yunnan and Malaysia exchange visits
annually to update each other on the latest tourism products.

"Through such visits, we can discover Malaysian products which are very
attractive to our people and we can encourage our people to visit Malaysia and
vice versa," he said.

He also suggested the two sides look into mutual investment and exchange
programmes in hospitality management.

"Through these mutual exchanges, our bilateral cooperation can be further
enhanced," he added.
-- BERNAMA