Sabah remains one of China’s top investment choices, says diplomat

KOTA KINABALU: China wants to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Sabah, and Malaysia as a whole, for the long term.

China’s consul general in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang, said China and Malaysia have maintained their relationship over the years and seen growth in many fields, including economy and trade.

She said continued efforts were being made to ensure the healthy and stable deepening of relations.

“Again, last week, the Prime Minister was in China and met with our leaders, and high political trust was exchanged during the visit,” she said in her welcoming speech at the republic’s National Day reception here on Thursday (Sept 21) night.

The celebration was in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

She said China would continue to deepen relations and promote a shared future between both nations, and see that the countries work together to explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation for many years to come.

“The best way to celebrate our history is to write a new chapter for our future. Let’s work closely to deepen relations between China and Malaysia, especially Sabah, and explore new opportunities for win-win collaboration,” she said.

Earlier, Huang mentioned that Sabah remains among the top investment choices for China, with its abundance in natural resources as well as the similarities in culture.

She said the number of Chinese nationals coming to Sabah for leisure, work and investment had also increased over the years.

“We have also sent hundreds of locals from Sabah for training in China just this year alone,” she added.

On a related matter, Huang said a science and technology-based exhibition was currently being held at the state library in Tanjung Aru through a joint effort by the Chinese and Sabah governments.

She said the exhibition, free of charge to the public, has exhibits showcasing China’s various science and technology-related industries and would be held around the state over three years.

“This exhibition will be on for six months at the state library before moving on to other parts of Sabah until the three-year period is up,” she said.

Huang said students and industry players can take this opportunity to learn more about such matters and hopefully, explore the potential available in the sector.

Also present during the reception were Sabah’s head of state Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, state leaders, businessmen, and other partners.