Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, expressed interest in boosting trade relations with Sabah, with a focus on the tourism and food industries. Lee conveyed his intentions to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during Noor’s inaugural trade mission abroad.
Lee highlighted Sabah’s popularity as a tourist destination for the people of Hong Kong and expressed the Hong Kong government’s desire to establish more tourism routes to benefit both sides. Additionally, he acknowledged Sabah’s role as a significant seafood exporter to Hong Kong and identified potential for other food products.
Hajiji informed Lee about his visit to Shenzhen in Guangdong province, China, where he presented a keynote address at the Global Chinese Economy and Technology (GCET) Summit. He also mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Sabah government and Huawei Technologies at the Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen.
In order to strengthen bilateral relations, Hajiji expressed the state government’s interest in engaging with the secretaries of the related departments in Hong Kong. He emphasized the state’s aspiration to become a gateway to South-East Asia and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area).
Hajiji also briefed Lee on Sabah’s key investment areas, which include energy, low energy intensity industry, green technology-based products, biomass downstream products, food processing, medical devices, oil and gas, tourism, and new industry. Lee responded positively, expressing openness to direct communications between Hong Kong and Sabah to facilitate more trade and areas of mutual cooperation.
Lee also suggested that Sabah consider exploring the Blue and Green Bonds, as well as holding trade fairs in Hong Kong to showcase Sabah products and business interests. Accompanying Hajiji during the discussions were state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and Sabah Economic Advisory Council chairman Tan Sri David Chu. Additionally, Sabah-born Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, a member of the Advisory Council to the Chief Executive, Hong Kong Government, and Hong Kong undersecretary for commerce and economic development Bernard Chan were also present.
