By V. Sivaji
Penang has the most number of foreign consulates outside of the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
To add on to this tally, the Ukraine Consulate in Penang opened recently in George Town which also coincided with the country’s Independence Day.
Datuk Seri Chuah Kim Seah is the honorary consul of the consulate, to be based at 8, Jalan Green Hall.
To mark the auspicious occasion, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow along with Ukraine ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo attended the gala dinner at the E&O Hotel.
Also present were other dignitaries and industry players.
In his address Chow welcomed the opening of the consulate and hoped that it will promote bilateral relations and more Ukraine companies set up their manufacturing base in Penang.
Nechytaylo praised Penang as the semiconductor and IT hub and looked forward to more business collaborations.
He also added that last year alone more than 15,000 Ukrainians visited Malaysia and a big portion to Penang.