IPOH: Pangkor Dialogue aspires to find ways of how future development can be done without overzealous implementation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the dialogue had started to gain the world’s attention for the subjects of development and sustainable growth.
“Pangkor’s history has a strategic place in the starting point of our country.
"The (Pangkor) Treaty that was signed between the British and Sultan of Perak is significant in the Malay states history because it signalled the British official involvement in the Malay states’ policies.”
Signed in Pangkor Island in 1874, he said the treaty had ignited the fight for independence that eventually came in 1957.
"Pangkor Dialogue is the journey which explores the starting point of our future and the future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious," he said at the appreciation dinner held in conjunction with Pangkor Dialogue 2017.
Zahid said it was hoped that the event, which had been hosted here, would be held on the island in future.
"Pangkor island will one day become the focal meeting point where business and political leaders get together in a relaxed environment and comfortably open up for a better tomorrow."
He said the dialogue, which is a platform where inside information is shared to find solutions for universal challenges faced by the region, was unique as it was one of the few dialogues in the world promoted by a state government.
He said the dialogue provided impactful recommendations for the benefits of all stakeholders.
"It has been proven to be a venue for forming fruitful collaborations between international stakeholders. It is a meeting place that brings all the stakeholders under one roof.
"Pangkor Dialogue is an event that gathers experts from various backgrounds that will benefit various stakeholders."
Zahid said Perak government under Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had successfully branded Perak as the emerging hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition.
"As a Perakian, I am proud with this development. When people talk about Perak, there are many international events that people can associate with: Pangkor Dialogue, World Conference of Islamic Thoughts and Civilisation, Pangkor International Poetry and Folk Songs Festival and many more," he added.
The dialogue gathers international and local dignitaries, academicians, investors and non-governmental organisations.
It is an international knowledge exchange, which aims to inspire sustainable economic growth in the region in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Present were Zambry, State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan, State Financial Officer Datuk Ghazali Jalal.