China and Malaysia will mark the 50th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations next year, and Malaysia recently announced tourists from China would be able to travel visa-free for 30 days, a move mirroring Thailand.

Government data showed Malaysia welcomed 498,540 Chinese tourists in the six months of this year, a figure almost a third of pre-pandemic levels. In comparison, Thailand said it expected 3.4 million to 3.5 million visitors from China this year.

“We see that we have a big capacity to receive tourists,” ambassador Norman Muhamad said at an event at the Malaysian embassy in Beijing, adding that the goal is not “far-fetched” even if it may take more than a couple of years to achieve.

“Since we are seeking more investment from China, this visa-free travel to Malaysia will also help Chinese investors to come to Malaysia to find opportunities,” he said.

Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to meet the government’s target of 4% this year, driven in part by stronger tourism.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also invited Xi to visit the country, Norman said. “We are hoping that president Xi will consent to visiting Malaysia,” he said.

Earlier this week, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi was seen holding hands with his Malaysian counterpart, Zambry Abdul Kadir, in New York, photos released by the Chinese foreign ministry show.