KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is promoting its Blue Economy concept to Chinese investors as an opportunity to develop the food processing sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, leading a state trade mission to China, stated that Chinese investors could collaborate with Sabah in the development of the food sector. Hajiji emphasized the implementation of this concept which advocates for the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards. Sabah boasts the longest coastline in Malaysia, spanning over 1,000km, creating vast potential for win-win partnerships in fish farming and other marine products. These remarks were made at the “Business and Investment Opportunities in Sabah” Global Chinese Economic and Technology (GCET) Summit held at the Futian Shangri-La in Shenzhen.
In a statement released on Tuesday (Nov 7), Hajiji announced that the Sabah government would be organizing a Blue Economy International Conference in February of next year. He further urged Chinese investors to consider opportunities in the energy sector, including both traditional sources like fossil fuels and emerging renewable options like solar and wind energy. Hajiji emphasized the importance of investing in the energy sector to ensure a reliable power supply while supporting a more sustainable energy future. He also encouraged investors to explore oil and gas, highlighting Sabah’s increasing stake in these resources and the potential for further investment in downstream manufacturing and support services.
In addition to energy, Hajiji also highlighted investment and business opportunities in the tourism industry. He urged Chinese investors to consider developing five-star hotels, boutique resorts, and high-end tourism products, as well as investing in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) business. With tourism industry gradually recovering and Sabah being only a few hours away from major Chinese cities, Hajiji expressed hope for increased air connectivity to boost visitor arrivals. He also disclosed that the Sabah government is actively working on strategies to enhance the state’s tourism sector, including the development of the Sabah Cultural Park and the introduction of the ‘Sabah My Second Home’ programme.
Hajiji personally welcomed investors to discuss the establishment of new industries and assured them that tailor-made policies could be considered for the right investors. The GCET Summit, organized by the China Development Institute, Shenzhen (CDI), and KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI), provided a platform for these discussions.
