KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is well positioned to serve as an important bridge for deeper Malaysia–China cooperation, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said Sabah’s relationship with China is an important part of a broader Malaysia–China partnership and while formal diplomatic relations are relatively recent, the ties between Sabah and China extend much further into history.
“For centuries, maritime trade routes connected the coastal communities of Borneo with southern China and other parts of South-East Asia.
“These connections enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, cultures, and people, creating bonds that remain meaningful to this day,” he said at the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China reception dinner here on Tuesday (Sept 23).
Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam delivered the Chief Minister's speech.
“Trade and investment remain central pillars of Sabah–China relations. China is one of Sabah’s most important trading partners, with cooperation encompassing commodities, agriculture, fisheries, manufactured products, tourism and services.
“Chinese companies operating in Sabah have contributed to economic development, employment creation, infrastructure development and stronger business linkages,” he said.
At the same time, he said Sabah offers significant opportunities for Chinese investment in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, digital services and the blue economy.
Another important area of cooperation is tourism, which Sabah is confident could be further boosted through stronger air connectivity, expanded digital marketing, and the development of eco-tourism, cultural tourism as well as adventure tourism products, he added.
Hajiji also said there is considerable potential to expand cooperation through university partnerships, student exchanges, language programmes, research cooperation, scholarships, cultural performances, youth activities, and cooperation in science and technology.
“These exchanges are particularly important because they deepen mutual understanding and foster friendships among future generations,” he said.
