May 11 marks the second anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese consulate in Kota Kinabalu. Since its inception, Kota Kinabalu and Hangzhou have become Sister Cities. This in return, has seen plenty tourists from China and more Chinese companies visit and explore the possibility for cooperation in Sabah.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the State Government has always been willing to support the work of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China.

"Let us work together to continue to expand the exchanges and cooperation in various fields, to further enhance the close relationship between the people, to deepen the cooperation of Sister Cities and to promote the exchanges between Sabah and China's provinces.

"We shall grasp the golden opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative, to strive for a stronger development for Sabah that will benefit the people" said Pairin.

Pairin, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure Development, said the Consulate General had been well-integrated into Sabah's society in the past year, and had, as always, promoted the friendship and cooperation between Sabah and China.

"They have done many practical works that benefit Sabah and its people, such as supporting the local Chinese education and cultural exchanges, official and non-official visits, exchanges between cities and so on.”