Sabah active player in M’sia-China ties – CM
KOTA KINABALU: The annual trade volume between Malaysia and China currently exceeds USD 100 billion, and is expected to rise to USD 160 billion by 2018.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said Sabah was both a beneficiary and an active participant in this fruitful relationship between the two countries.
“The large volume of our commodity exports to China and the large number of Chinese tourists who visit Sabah are testimony of a partnership that was sealed many years ago.”
This, Musa said, was the result of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China that was established more than four decades ago at a time when it took real courage for both countries to take the historic step.
“As we move forward in this relationship, I wish to encourage investors from China to find out more about our efforts in Malaysia and Sabah to grow the economy.
“Some of the policies in place include the Economic Transformation Programme (ETC) and the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).
“These economic plans outline the strengths that Sabah has in diversifying the downstream processing of palm oil and other commodities such as oil and gas, apart from tourism and development of the logistics sector,” Musa said in a speech at the 41st anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the opening of the Consulate-General of China in Sabah, as well as the second installation of the executive committee of Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah here yesterday. Musa’s speech was delivered by the Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang.
Musa said the State recently witnessed the official opening of the ConsulateGeneral office of China in Kota Kinabalu.
“On behalf of the State Government and the people of Sabah, I would like to once again extend my warmest congratulations to the Consul-General, Ms Chen (Peijie).
“I am confident that your presence here will help enhance better trade and investment, and also educational and cultural exchanges.”
He said the Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah also extended their help during the setting up of the Consulate-General’s office, and he hoped that the association would continue to play this important bridging role between Sabah and China.
Since the inception of the association two years ago, Musa said Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah had worked tirelessly to complement the authorities in both Malaysia and China, including the Sabah State Government, to enhance the relationship between Sabah and China, especially at the people-to-people level.
He said the various cultural, educational and commercial activities undertaken by Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah involving both Sabah and China, spoke volumes of its important role in Sabah’s links with China.
Musa also welcomed the Sichuan performing troupe with the theme ‘Embrace China’.
He said the theme was suitable as a lot of people in Sabah would like to learn more about China’s rich culture.
At the same time, Musa encouraged China nationals to learn about Sabah’s rich and diverse culture.
“The understanding and learning of culture should also be embraced by the business and trade community as this will foster better partnerships that are built on trust and respect for one another.
“One of the best ways to build long lasting relationships is through the ability to appreciate our similarities in a world that is filled with diversity.”
On a final note, Musa hoped Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah would continue to work closely with the Sabah Government as well as the new Consulate-General of China to bring new and exciting heights to the bilateral relations.
“Given what you have done so far, I am confident you will be able to achieve the goals you have set in place.”
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Batu Sapi member of parliament Datuk Linda Tsen, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie, Sabah Dong Zong president Tan Sri Andrew Liew, KTS Sabah area general operations manager Ngu Ngiong Hieng, Asia Times proprietor Datuk Tiong Tan Hua, Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Clement Yeh and MaZhong Friendship Association Sabah president Dr Oh Ei Sun.