Sabah well positioned to bridge deeper Malaysia-China cooperation, says CM Hajiji

Kota Kinabalu (Sept 23): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor stated that Sabah is well positioned to facilitate deeper Malaysia-China cooperation. He highlighted how Sabah's relationship with China extends beyond formal diplomatic ties, encompassing centuries-old maritime trade routes connecting Borneo with southern China and other Southeast Asian regions.

These historical links fostered exchanges in goods, ideas, cultures, and people, which continue to be significant today, according to Hajiji in a speech read by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam during a Magellan Sutera Resort event marking the 77th anniversary of China's founding. The state's strategic location, economic potential, abundant natural resources, and long-standing people-to-people connections create a robust foundation for engagement between Chinese businesses, institutions, and communities, Hajiji emphasized.

Trade and investment are key pillars of Sabah-China relations, with China being one of Sabah's most crucial trading partners. Cooperation spans multiple sectors, including commodities, agriculture, fisheries, manufactured goods, tourism, and services. Chinese enterprises in Sabah have bolstered economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and strengthened business networks.

Additionally, Sabah presents numerous opportunities for Chinese investment in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, digital services, and the blue economy. Hajiji also pointed out the potential for Sabah and China to collaborate in sharing expertise, particularly in agriculture, marine conservation, clean energy, smart farming, and aquaculture.

These collaborative efforts could yield significant and mutually beneficial outcomes. In terms of tourism, Sabah anticipates further growth by enhancing air connectivity, expanding digital marketing strategies, and developing eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism offerings. Beyond economic cooperation, Hajiji underscored the potential for expanded collaboration in education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges through university partnerships, student exchanges, language programs, research cooperation, scholarships, cultural performances, youth activities, and science and technology initiatives.

He stressed that these exchanges deepen mutual understanding and nurture friendships among future generations, highlighting that the true strength of bilateral relations lies in connections between people, not just trade and investment. Hajiji reiterated Sabah's commitment to bolstering Malaysia's strong and constructive relationship with China while pursuing the state's priorities under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development agenda.

He affirmed that Sabah is ready and enthusiastic to serve as a crucial platform for Malaysia-China cooperation.