KOTA KINABALU: The State Government continues to see China as an important business partner, especially on the global front. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said there are some sectors that might be strategic for Sabah to encourage the Chinese to invest.
“These should be on a win-win basis but favouring Sabah to move forward economically, as well as to position the State in the challenging 21st century global arena.”
He said this in his speech at the Kota Kinabalu China Consulate’s Chinese New Year celebrations 2019 at the Hakka Hall, here, Friday.
Shafie also pointed out the State’s strategic location in the region.
“Strategically-wise Sabah is close to China and the other nations in the region like Korea and Japan, as well as the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Brunei growth area and beyond.
“Furthermore, Sabah has resources like oil and gas, crude palm oil, as well as vast tracts of land that could be developed into plantations for fast growing trees, rubber and fruits that find a huge market in China and elsewhere.”
He said more Chinese from the mainland are visiting Sabah and that they prefer Sabah because there are no language issues, the food, especially our fine seafood and natural attractions such as the sun, sea and beach.
He said China can focus its attention towards five-star resorts, especially located in the coastal areas or fringe islands.
Shafie also urged China to invest and bring its expertise to Sabah as the State begins to build the infrastructure and services to migrate towards Digital Economy.
“China is now a strong advocate and leader in this area. Bring your expertise here to Sabah so that this development will allow Sabah to make a big leap and be a strong emergent player in the 21st century.”
However, he also emphasised that such investments must also create jobs for Sabahans, adding that such jobs must also be 21st century relevant so that Sabahans will not be easily marginalised by the global changes caused by disruptions, especially caused by the rapid technology advancement.
Also present was Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and China Counsel General HE Liang Caide together with Ministers and State Chinese Community leaders. - Neil Chan
