The Minister of Environment H E Abdulla bin Mubark bin Abud Almudadi and the Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar Ahmad Jazri bin Mohammed Johar, along with other dignitaries and ambassadors, cutting the ceremonial cake on the occasion of the 55th Malaysian National Day celebrations at Holiday Villa yesterday. Shaival Dalal

BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: Malaysian Ambassador Ahmad Jazri bin Mohammed Johar hailed the vibrant and cordial relations between Qatar and Malaysia at a reception to celebrate Malaysia’s 55th National Day and 49th Malaysia Day yesterday at Holiday Villa Hotel.

With chief guest the Minister of Environment H E Abdulla bin Mubark bin Abud Almudadi, the event was attended by heads of missions, Qatar government officials and representatives of the Malaysian community and other sectors of the society.

“Malaysia and Qatar continues to enjoy and hold the prospect of a vibrant business partnership be it in Qatar, in Malaysia or globally,” said the ambassador, conveying his appreciation to the Qatari leadership for their “strong support to Malaysia and the highly valued friendship.”

Underlining the vibrant business partnership that exists between the two countries, he said Malaysian companies had secured a total of 25 projects here, of which 22 had already been completed.

“The Malaysian Trade Centre in Doha is under renovation and is now expected to be ready early next year,” he said, further cementing stronger trade ties between the two countries.

Tourism has been a major driver of the Malaysian economy, he stressed, adding Malaysia received 24.7 million tourists last year alone, thus contributing $11.8bn to the Gross National Income.

It ranks seventh after oil, gas and energy, wholesale and retail, palm oil and rubber, financial services, agriculture and electrical and electronics sector. He said Qataris are among the many people who look to Malaysia as a preferred destination. “In fact many Qataris and expatriates are sending their children to colleges and universities in Malaysia,” he said.

With the new economic model, Malaysia targets per capita income of $15,000 from the current $8,140 by 2020, he said.

Over a hundred guests attended the event which also featured a video presentation on Malaysia and scrumptious authentic Malaysian cuisine.

The Peninsula