The target to woo one million Chinese tourists coming to Sabah set by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman is achievable in the near future, said Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu Liang Caide.

The target can be achieved with the strong support from the State Government, more direct flights will be launched one after another, and more hotels and resorts will be built, said Liang.

Besides that, he said Chinese people are making every effort to realise the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation while Malaysia is committed to achieving the 2050 National Transformation Plan.

"Both sides have highly compatible development strategies, and could, therefore, complement each other in strengthening a strong cooperation momentum and broadening the prospects for cooperation" said Liang during the launch of the 44th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Malaysia and China, and 5th anniversary of Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah at Hakka Hall on Sunday, January 28.

The cultural event was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan who represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman.

"At present, both sides are working hard to build further for another ‘Diamond Fortieth Years' through the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries" said Liang

"Sabah is an important node along the Maritime Silk Road, as it has great potential for cooperation with various places in China.

"We look forward to the Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah taking its vantage position and contributing to the development of the One Belt, One Road initiative" said Liang.

He said the arrivals of some 430,000 tourists from China to Sabah last year fit the old Chinese saying ‘The amity between countries relies on their people-to-people bond'.

He added the Consulate General handled 25,000 visa applications for the people in Sabah and Labuan. Now, Sabah has become one of the most popular tourist spots for the tourists from China.