Another consulate office has opened in Penang. This brings the total number of foreign consulates in Penang to 23.
This time around the Kingdom of Belgium opened its office here. The Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium is Mr Michel Van Crombrugge.
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow was on hand at the official ceremony held at the E&O Hotel here recently.
Also present was His Excellency Mr Pascal Gregoire, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Malaysia,
Also present were the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr Orikasa Hiroyuki, Consul-General of the Kingdom of Thailand in Penang, His Excellency Raschada Jiwalai and Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang, His Excellency Bapak Bambang Suharto.
“I am delighted to commemorate the official opening of the Kingdom of Belgium’s Honorary Consulate Office in Penang as well as the appointment of Mr Michel Van Crombrugge as the Honorary Consul.
“Since diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Belgium was established in 1975, both countries have maintained ties based on trust and mutual respect,” said Chow in his speech.
He also added that Penang’s export reached an all time high to RM354 Billion in 2021.
“We also attracted a record investment of RM76,2 Billion in this period. As Penang celebrates its 50th anniversary of industrialization this year, we extend our arms to welcome Belgian companies to consider Penang as their operational base and manufacturing site not only in Malaysia but also for the whole of SouthEast Asia.
Guests were also feted to a fine dinner courtesy of the hotel’s F&B team.