Sabah ideal Far East hub: CM
Published on: Thursday, September 15, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has what it takes to attract investors, both locals and foreigners, in its vision to become the hub for the Far East, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.He said the State is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, rich biodiversity and is in a strategic location within a region of strong vibrant economies."Sabah is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) activities not just for the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) region but for other emerging markets in this region.
ADVERTISEMENT
"With the completion of the Sabah International Convention Centre in a few years time, we can expect an increase in MICE activities in the city," he said during the opening of the Sabah International Expo 2016 (SIE 2016) and welcoming dinner, here. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan.Musa also said SIE is an important event for Sabah as "we continue to restructure and diversify our economy from merely depending on primary exports to one that focuses on the importance of adding value to products and services, and is knowledge-driven." "Since its inception fourteen years ago, the State Government has supported the SIE, which has been successful in sharing Sabah's story with the world, and in attracting foreign direct investment. Let me assure you that we will continue to support private sector initiatives to develop our economic potentials. "The involvement of the private sector in growing our economy is evident in the commitment shown by leaders and members of the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MICCI) Sabah Branch."
ADVERTISEMENT
Over 334,000 people have visited the Expo since it started in the year 2000, and hundreds of million ringgit worth of businesses transactions have taken place. "SIE has grown into an event that reflects the close public-private partnership in the State, as both parties work together to promote progress, prosperity and development for the people.
ADVERTISEMENT
"In addition, it serves as a platform for Malaysian businesses, especially those based in Sabah, to showcase new products and services to both local and international consumers. "It is also an event that helps showcase products from other nations. With a large number of entrepreneurs attending this expo, there are endless opportunities to start networking in efforts to establish business partnerships," he said.He is also confident that visitors and exhibitors especially the foreign delegates will be able to uncover the many investment opportunities available in the State, especially those in the agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors, which are Sabah's engines of growth. "There is a vast potential of growth in the manufacturing sector in Sabah, especially in the production of value-added and high-end products in the palm oil and oil and gas sectors. "As part of the State government's initiatives to promote this, the government through the Industrial Development Ministry has adopted an integrated approach and established industrial clusters such as the Palm Oil Industrial Clusters in Lahad Datu and Sandakan and Sipitang Oil and Gas Industries." According to him, both the Federal and State Government are committed and will continue to improve infrastructure facilities and create a conducive environment for business and investment. "The implementation of the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans have paved the way for better infrastructure such as the Pan-Borneo Highway linking Sabah and Sarawak.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
