More China firms keen to invest in Sabah – CM
Several China companies have expressed interest in investing in Sabah, particularly in tourism, agriculture and aquaculture, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said this was a positive sign as it would help further grow some of the state’s key economic sectors.
“We are open to hearing what investors are interested in. As long as the intentions are genuine, we will facilitate the creation of new businesses in Sabah,” he said when launching the Third World Youth Congress of Jiangmen, China, here yesterday.
The text of his speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.
Musa said Sabah was drawing investments from a range of nations with the most recent being Darden Incorporated, a seafood giant from the United States, which has committed to a US$2 billion investment to develop lobster farming in the state.
He said that the chief executive officer of the company was attracted to Sabah by the stable economic and political climate, as well as the environment, which was very much in good condition.
He said that Dole, another US-based food giant, had expressed an interest in developing large-scale fruit and vegetable farming.
In this respect, he hoped youth at the Congress would learn more about
Malaysia, especially the various opportunities that they could explore in Sabah, including that on a joint venture basis.
About 1,000 youths from various countries attended the congress, themed ‘Together in Sabah for a Brilliant Gathering’.
The biennial congress was first held in 2008 in Jiangmen and then in Macau in 2010.
Musa said the congress not only opens doors for youths to network and exchange ideas, but also helps strengthen ties between nations.
“This event has also brought Malaysia and China closer together, and I believe that the link between the two nations will only grow stronger in years to come.”
He noted that two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) would be signed at the congress to promote friendly exchanges between Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Jiangmen City, and to promote tourism between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Jiangmen Tourism Ministry.
“These partnerships will go a long way in creating new sources of growth in tourism and culture, and I commend all of those involved for the effort in bringing these MoUs to the table,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, Jiangmen Mayor Pang Guomei said Jiangmen is a renowned hometown of about four million overseas Chinese, who are scattered over five continents and 107 countries.
“After years of hardwork, overseas Chinese of Jiangmen origin not only gathered wide business network and financial asset, but are also rich in intellectual resources,” he said.
Pang said overseas Chinese nationals are concerned about and supportive of the economic development back in China.
“Since China opened its doors to the world, overseas Chinese have contributed over HKD 6 billion towards charities in Jiangmen,” he said.
“A lot of overseas Chinese also returned to their hometown to set up their businesses. Currently Jiangmen houses more than 3,600 enterprises with investment value up to USD 17.8 billion. ”
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, organizing chairperson of the congress Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, and Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Source : Borneo Post
