Wong Hon Wai said that Penang is much like Uzbekistan, a place of immense cultural heritage, natural beauty, and thriving tourism and Uzbekistan has deep historical roots, cultural magnificence, and warm hospitality.
“We also recognize that Uzbekistan is home to a predominantly Muslim population, and Penang, with its rich Islamic heritage and abundance of halal-certified dining options, is well-positioned to cater to Muslim travelers seeking a comfortable and welcoming environment.
“As we strengthen our tourism ties, I hope that this collaboration will not only increase visitor exchanges between Uzbekistan and Penang but also enhance mutual understanding and economic growth,” he said at the Tourism Presentation of Uzbekistan and Malaysia in Penang today (Feb 3).
He added that Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air already operate four direct flights per week from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, making travel between our nations more accessible.
“With Penang’s well-established domestic connectivity, we encourage Uzbek travellers to explore our island’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and world-class gastronomy.
“We look forward to fostering stronger ties and creating new opportunities for tourism growth between our two regions. Penang is not just an ideal place for tourists, it is also a dynamic hub for business, culture and innovation,” he said.