Our highly successful diplomatic, political and economic relationship is a result of a voyage of mutual discovery for our countries and our peoples, said Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo during a seminar on relations between China and Malta.
The seminar held yesterday was organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Embassy of China in Malta.
Dr Frendo recounted that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 31 January 1972 during a visit to China by former prime minister Dom Mintoff. Both countries have come a long way since that day, said the minister. China, he said, is an economic success story of global significance; Malta lacking global significance has nonetheless been successful in building a better life for its citizens.
Malta’s accession in the EU, its support for China on the decision-making table of Europe and the country’s stand on the peaceful reunification of China have further improved its relations with the eastern country. China itself, stated the minister, is a strong supporter of European integration.
EU-China relations, according to Dr Frendo, can be further strengthened on certain world stages such as Africa. He also spoke about the economic relations between the EU and China. The EU is the leading trading partner of China ahead of the US and Japan while the Asian giant is EU’s second largest trading partner after the US.
Dr Frendo illustrated the growing business interest of Maltese traders in China as imports amounted to Lm44.7 million, while exports stood at Lm22.9 million. While Maltese traders head to the major Chinese cities, said the minister, there are good opportunities for Chinese traders to invest in Malta, especially in the field of IT.
Minister Frendo also spoke about the cultural ties between the two countries. The Chinese Cultural Centre in Malta has increased its number of students while more Chinese are furthering their studies at the University of Malta and English language schools on the island.
Dr Frendo showed his appreciation at the work of outgoing Ambassador Liu Zhengxiu and said he is looking forward at furthering strengthening the ties between the two countries in his forthcoming visit to Beijing.
For his part, Ambassador Liu said diplomatic relations on a political platform were strengthened by the numerous visits of politicians from both countries. Malta’s stance on the peaceful reunification of China has also contributed to strengthen the ties between such different countries of different sizes and social systems.
Trade and economic relations were also examined, as Mr Liu outlined the Chinese exports to Malta and its imports. The ambassador also spoke about the assistance given to Malta in its development. He mentioned the No 6 Dock and the Chinese Garden in Santa Lucija as symbols of friendship between the two countries. The Agreement on Cultural Cooperation signed in 1998, the China Cultural Centre opened in 2003 and the 2007 Valletta Chinese Spring Festival further strengthen the relationship on a cultural basis, said the ambassador.
The 35 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and China will be marked with an exhibition of Chinese terracotta warriors at the National Museum of Archaeology, to open next week.
Bank of Valletta Chairman Roderick Chalmers explained how he has witnessed the great change that took place in China since his first visit in 1984.
He said the country’s population makes it the world’s largest market, a market which no big manufacturer can ignore. The population’s own composition, 25 per cent are under 15 years of age and over 90 per cent are under 65 years, provide both for great market opportunities as well as for a modern and productive workforce.