GEORGE TOWN: The Netherlands has expressed interest in working with Penang to turn the city into an international city of the future, Dutch ambassador to Malaysia Harry Molenaar said yesterday.
He said his country, which has a strong bond with Malaysia, would like to “team up” with Penang to realise the plan.
He said the Netherlands would like to be a part of Penang’s ambitious plan.
“We have specific expertise in the fields of water, transport, cycling and land reclamation. We think we can be a valuable partner to Penang and Malaysia.
“Penang to us is a focal point in our approach to partner with Malaysia,” he said.
Molenaar said both sides were already engaging in discussion now.
“This morning, we discussed with the state investment authority, investPenang, on possibilities to work together. For instance, we can set up a mission here with Dutch expertise in fields like alternative transport.
“The Netherlands is a cycling country and I think we have a lot to offer there, in terms of what infrastructure is needed and the awareness to get people out of cars and into other modes of transport.
“So we will discuss in the next few months whether we can have a mission here, and from there on we will find partners and see what we can do here,” he said.
Molenaar also said his third visit to Penang this time after having been in Malaysia for 1½ years felt like “coming home”, adding that the state had an inspiring atmosphere.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng thanked the Dutch delegates for visiting Penang and offering to share the country’s experience in development.
“They are here with us because they feel Penang has the potential to be an international city of the future and a place for both cultures to meet,” he said.
Guan Eng said Penang looked forward to building a stronger friendship with the Netherlands, not only through trade but also through people-to-people links, like the Dutch cultural festival that is a hit in Europe. — The Malaysian Insider
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 3, 2015.