KOTA KINABALU: Investors and business leaders should explore opportunities in Sabah’s Blue Economy, which includes sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology and maritime services, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the opportunities cover a wide range of sectors such as coastal and island tourism, marine renewable energy, logistics, shipbuilding and repair, and other ocean-based industries.
"We are open for business and our objective is to ensure that these resources are developed responsibly and sustainably, creating economic opportunities while protecting the marine ecosystems that are so important to Sabah.
"We see particularly strong potential in higher-value downstream activities from our marine resources, promoting technology and innovation, and increasing the participation of Sabah entrepreneurs and local businesses," he said at a welcome dinner by the state government for participants in the Sabah International Expo (SIE2026) here on Thursday (Sept 3).
Hajiji said that with the right investments, technologies and partnerships, Sabah can develop a more dynamic and sustainable Blue Economy, creating new industries, generating employment and opening up new sources of income for our communities
"This is an area with considerable potential for regional and international collaboration," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister II and state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered his speech.
Hajiji said the state government does not want to simply export Sabah’s resources, but create greater value from them while promoting downstream industries, technology transfer, innovation, skills development and stronger local business participation.
"This is how we can build a more diversified, resilient and sustainable economy for Sabah," he said, adding that the state's strategic geographical position also merits consideration from investors.
Given its location close to major markets in Asean and the wider Asia-Pacific region, Sabah is well positioned to serve as a bridge between markets, he added.
As such, he said Sabah did not aim to position itself solely as a travel destination but as a regional business hub and gateway to wider markets.
"We welcome investors, entrepreneurs and businesses that share our ambition to come to Sabah and build meaningful partnerships with our businesses," he said.
SIE2026 sees participants from more than 15 countries attending, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Senegal and Zambia.
