Hajiji: Sabah can play bigger role in Malaysia-China ties

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 23 — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor asserts that Sabah can play a pivotal role in bolstering ties between Malaysia and China. He highlighted the long-standing maritime trade routes connecting Borneo with southern China and other Southeast Asian regions, which have facilitated exchanges of goods, ideas, culture, and societies.

Speaking at the 77th Anniversary Reception of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam delivered Hajiji's message, emphasizing Sabah's strategic location, economic potential, and natural resources as key assets for fostering closer ties with China. Trade and investment are crucial to the relationship, with China being a vital trading partner for Sabah, encompassing sectors like commodities, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and services.

Chinese companies in Sabah have significantly contributed to the region's economic development, job creation, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced business connections. Looking forward, Hajiji sees immense potential in further strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, digital services, and the blue economy.

Both sides can mutually benefit from sharing expertise in agriculture, marine conservation, clean energy, smart agriculture, and aquaculture. Sabah also aims to enhance tourism collaboration through improved air connectivity, digital marketing, and the development of ecotourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism. Additionally, Hajiji underscored the possibility of expanding education and cultural exchange programs, such as university partnerships, student exchanges, language courses, research initiatives, scholarships, and collaborations in science and technology.

Despite these opportunities, Hajiji reiterated Sabah's commitment to maintaining strong and constructive relations between Malaysia and China while pursuing the state's priorities under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development agenda.