President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan welcomes China government’s extension of the visa-free policy to China until the end of 2025. ACCCIM hopes that the Malaysian Government can consider to reciprocate the kind gesture by extending the visa-waiver policy for China citizens to enter Malaysia.

On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced in France that the visa-free policy for citizens from 12 countries, including Malaysia, to go to China will be extended until the end of 2025.

Tan Sri Low believes that the extension will continue to help promote people to people exchange and further facilitate business and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China.

Malaysia and China’s relationship has greatly blossomed over the years, driven by robust economic and trade ties as well as cultural exchanges. This is reflected in making China as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009.

Malaysia and China must continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of tourism, people-to-people, educational and cultural exchanges. Hence, ACCCIM thinks that it is a timely call for the government to consider negotiating for establishing a permanent visa-free policy between the two nations.

Tan Sri Low believes that the Malaysian businesses and industries will benefit immensely from the permanent removal of the travel barriers, especially the tourism and aviation industries. He also added that, Malaysia and China are celebrating their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the mutual visa-waiver policy will serve as a catalyst to strengthen deeper people connections and unlock new opportunities for mutual benefit.