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GEORGE TOWN – New Zealand is keen to tap Penang’s experience and expertise in promoting the smart city concept, tourism promotions and heritage conservation.
Its High Commissioner to Malaysia Pam Chong Dunn said that there is room for collaborative efforts in the areas of smart city, tourism, and heritage.
She said this after paying a courtesy call on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday.
Accompanying her was the commission’s First Secretary (Political) Finlay Fraser Milne.
Dunn also spoke of her admiration of Penang’s tourism as it attracts many foreigners.
“We also understand that the tourism (services) sector is one of the important sectors to Penang’s economy,” she said.
Chow said the state’s tourism was impacted by Covid-19, following the initial shut down of the hospitality industry and now an acute shortage of manpower.
“Most hotels are currently facing labour shortage while registering strong support from domestic tourists,” he said.
Dunn also queried on the possibility of having a Penang international travel bubble, similar to the Langkawi international travel bubble.
To this, Chow replied that the decision lies with the federal government, adding that there are public healthcare concerns with regards to how to manage the virus.
In response, Dunn said unfortunately, New Zealand borders remained close, as the country found a way on how to effectively contain Covid-19.
Both Chow and Dunn also discussed investment opportunities and cross-border crime. – The Vibes, December 18, 2021
