KOTA KINABALU: Closer collaboration between Sabah and China in agriculture, tourism, and technology could transform the state into a leading model of sustainable growth and cross-border cooperation.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted the state's strategic potential to benefit from China’s economic rise, especially through green partnerships.
"Sabah's abundant natural resources complement China’s strengths in technological innovation, market scale, and investment capability," he said at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah's 13th-anniversary luncheon and new office opening on Monday (June 16).
Chan, who is also the Kota Kinabalu MP, encouraged the association to continue building bridges under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in eco-tourism, investment, and high-tech agriculture.
"I see tremendous potential for deepening cooperation with China in agricultural technology transfer, sustainable cultivation practices, and value-added processing industries," he said.
Chan added that Malaysia's commodity exports to China topped RM20bil last year, with palm oil accounting for more than half of that value.
"Palm oil remains a critical pillar of our national economy, not just in terms of export value but also in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change," he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to ensuring a reliable commodity supply, particularly to key partners like China, despite increasing global uncertainties.
Apart from commodities, people-to-people connectivity continues to strengthen, Chan said, noting the expected 3.8mil Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024, more than double the previous year’s figure.
"These rising numbers show the growing depth of our ties, not just government-to-government or business-to-business, but people-to-people," he said.
He praised the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah for consistently facilitating cultural, educational, and business exchanges that have boosted mutual understanding since its founding in 2012.
"The association has helped local enterprises tap into the vast Chinese market and opened doors for countless educational collaborations," he added.
Chan also linked Sabah’s future growth to Malaysia’s upcoming role as Asean Chair in 2025, noting the country's aim to drive regional economic integration and transition to a green, sustainable economy.
"Sabah must position itself at the forefront of this shift. Our state can be a testing ground for sustainable practices and innovation in partnership with global players," he said.
He expressed confidence that the association’s new premises would act as a vibrant hub for further deepening Malaysia-China ties, especially in East Malaysia.
"With the esteemed guidance of Tuan Yang DiPertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Musa Aman and strong leadership from the association’s council, I believe Malaysia-China relations, particularly in Sabah, will continue to flourish and reach new heights," he said.
Also present was Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah president Dr Oh Ei Sun.
