More China firms investing in Sabah – Consul General

KOTA KINABALU: The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu is prepared to work closely with the new State Government led by Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal to further elevate the cooperation level between China and Sabah.

Its Consul General Liang Caide said cooperation and exchanges between different parts of China and Sabah in various fields have become increasingly frequent and close in recent years against the backdrop of deepening friendly ties between both countries.

“More and more Chinese companies have entered Sabah and ventured into the fields of construction, tourism and hospitality, power supply, chemicals, telecommunications, plantation, fisheries and others.

“The number of Chinese tourists who visited Sabah reached 430,000 last year and the figure is expected to exceed 500,000 this year.

“The number of direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to various cities in China have reached more than 100 flights per week,” he said during the national day reception to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China here yesterday.

The event was graced by the Sabah Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin and his consort Toh Puan Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Norlidah binti Tan Sri Datuk R.M Jasni, and Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal and his spouse, Datin Seri Panglima Shuryani Shuaib.

Liang noted that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's recent visit to China has brought new opportunities for the ChinaSabah cooperation.

He said the cooperation agreements signed during the visit by both parties on durian, rubber and palm oil would open the channels for Sabah to enter the Chinese market with the produce.

“I believe that by taking the advantage of the good relations between China and Malaysia, with the picturesque scenery, diversified culture, rich resources and the close geographical and people-to-people ties with China, the cooperation between China and Sabah has great potential and broad prospects.”

Liang also thanked all levels of the Sabah Government and friends from various sectors for supporting the work of the Chinese consulate and himself.

“The Consulate General is willing to work closely with the new government of Sabah, led by Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Apdal, to further elevate the cooperation level between China and Sabah and bring benefits to the people of the two places.”