Kota Kinabalu: The Province of Tawi-Tawi was asked to capitalise on the vast business and investment opportunities in Sabah.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew broached the subject Monday during a meeting with a delegation from Tawi-Tawi, an island province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Welcoming the 10-member delegation led by Provincial Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali, she said:
“The proximity between Sabah and Tawi-Tawi is a great advantage. Since we (Sabah) are your nearest neighbour, there is huge potential for collaboration, particularly in the area of tourism.
“We can explore the opportunity for exchange of tourists between the two destinations for mutual benefits.”
Provincial Economic Adviser & Consultant Sulay Halipa, who spoke on behalf of the Governor, said their visit to Sabah was a reciprocal one as a delegation from the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) led by its President Datuk Frankie Liew had toured Tawi-Tawi in September last year and met with provincial leaders there.
“We look forward to economic cooperation between the two places in terms of trade, tourism and fisheries,” he said, while thanking Frankie for initiating the meeting with the Minister.
The visiting contingent said they have learnt a lot more about tourism prospects in Sabah after presentations by Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim and Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) Deputy President Brett Chua.
“2019 was the best year for tourism in Sabah with an all-high record of 4.2 million tourists,” said Noredah.
Among those present at the meeting were Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Deputy Speaker Benjamin Loong, Member of Parliament for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, Attorney John Anthony Lim, Mayor Mohammad Faizal Jamalul (Turtle Islands) and Provincial Director Termizie Masahud of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT).
According to John, tourism is in its infant stage in Tawi-Tawi and this sector is the way forward in line with the provincial theme - Tawi-Tawi to the World. “But how do we go about this? So, coming to Sabah is a study trip for us.”
