The Malaysian coastal city Malacca was historically an important maritime trade hub. An ambitious joint venture between China and Malaysia is aiming to return the glory days to Malacca.
Walk around the UNESCO heritage city of MALACCA and there are reminders of its rich history at every turn. But today, it has no deep sea port, and in its centuries' old heart, MALACCA doesn't seem like much of a maritime city at all.
The sea used to lap at the back of these houses, and people used to descented steps and get into boats. But these days, after years of land reclamation works, the sea is more than a kilometre away from here.
But the MALACCA Gateway project, a joint venture between Malaysian developer KAJD and Chinese giant, Powerchina International, is aiming to put MALACCA firmly back on the maritime trade and economic, in addition to the tourism map.
"We are building not only a deep sea port but we are building the future of our nation. We are to bring back the glories of MALACCA, and the glories of MALACCA shall return," said Idris Haron, Chief Minister, Malacca State.
On Wednesday, two hugely experienced Chinese port players formally joined the Gateway project and piling work for the port's foundations began.
"MALACCA Gateway and Melaka Maritime Industrial Park could serve as a model for cooperation between China and Malaysia, and for all countries interested in taking part in the 21st Maritime Silk Road initiative," said Dr. Huang Huikang, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia.
"We are very blessed. With Yantian Port and Rizhao Port coming in I think we can be very very sure that MALACCA port will be a very progressive and dynamic port," said Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysian Minister of Transport.
The Malaysian government has designated MALACCA Gateway as a key national project to help transform Malaysia into a developed economy…a sign of just how much its looking to the rebirth of MALACCA as an important trading and maritme hub.
