Sabah can become important trading hub – MCCC
KOTA KINABALU: In the era of globalization, Sabah must build itself into an important platform in order to achieve greater successes and create more opportunities for the State, said Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch president Datuk Frankie Liew.
“By leveraging on our rich resources, strategic location and favourable conditions, coupled with cooperation between the government and people, I believe we can turn into an important trading hub connecting China, West Malaysia, Borneo and ASEAN countries.”
Meanwhile, Liew said the sustainability of our tourism industry was dependent upon the environmental conservation efforts, good management, multiracial society and vibrant cultures in Sabah.
“We look forward to the government and rakyat working hand in hand in bringing in more Malaysia-China joint ventures to invest in tourism-related infrastructure development in Sabah.”
He said a thriving tourism industry would benefit other sectors and spur the State’s economy.
In his New Year message, Liew said 2018 was the year to make big strides forward.
He said China led by its President Xi Jinping, has realized major tangible developments in the countries along the Maritime Silk Road under the Belt and Road initiative.
He said China was set on deepening reforms and increasing openness next year after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
“In our past visits to China and meeting with the provincial and city leaders as well as entrepreneurs, we indeed felt the country’s reform efforts and their pragmatism and determination in carrying out their duties.”
Liew said Sabah should capitalize on its strengths and participate in the Belt and Road initiative to reap the economic benefits.
For the past year, he said MCCC Sabah branch had been promoting the need to go global in order to bring in investments.
To this end, he said the chamber had organized and took part in mutual visits to facilitate bilateral trade and investment between both countries.
In March 2017, Liew said the chamber had organized a delegation comprising more than 30 members to Wuhan, Guangdong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Macau and other parts of China.
“The delegation, led by the Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Datuk Dr Johnson Tee, as well as MCCC Sabah branch advisors, were involved in a series of meetings, business matching sessions and working visits.
“The trip also saw the signing of Letter of Intent for cooperation with several business associations and organizations in China.”
He added that the chamber also visited Fujian Province in November.
At the same time, the chamber has also embarked on establishing cooperative ties with ASEAN countries and other regions which have close trade relations with China.
He said the year 2018 was important for Malaysia and Sabah.