KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has become a highly sought-after destination for both leisure and business from China, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"Sabah has ample opportunities for investors in green technology and high-tech agriculture, as well as mixed developments.
"We are also keen for Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the state's blue economy.
"Similarly, the energy sector presents significant opportunities, with oil and gas remaining important revenue streams for Sabah.
'We also welcome investors to explore solar and storage technologies, hydro, geothermal, and carbon market opportunities,' he said during the 75th anniversary reception of the founding of the People's Republic of China at a hotel yesterday (Sept 24).
Also present were Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, Hajiji's wife, Datin Seri Julia Salag, and the Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang.
Malaysia and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 31.
"The King of Malaysia's recent four-day visit to China was a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations," he said.
The mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China since last December has contributed to a surge in Chinese tourists to Sabah, with 262,070 of the 706,383 international arrivals recorded from January to July this year, making them the largest foreign source of tourists, he said.
China's visitor arrivals were recorded at 26,054 of the 424,052 international arrivals for the same period last year.
Hajiji said that since tourism is a critical driver of Sabah's economy, the state government would continue to enhance its business environment and upgrade tourism facilities to attract more investors and tourists to the state.