KOTA KINABALU: China remains a key business partner for Sabah, with exports exceeding RM7 billion and investments in various sectors creating jobs, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In a speech at the Sabah-China Business Summit here, Hajiji said exports to the republic reached RM7.6 billion last year, representing 19.5 per cent of the state's total trade.
Sabah's main exports to China include palm oil, timber, seafood, and rubber, while the state imports machinery, electronics, and manufactured goods from the country.
"Chinese investments in agriculture, aquaculture, and infrastructure continue to grow," said Hajiji in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He added that Chinese investments in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park have created jobs in sectors such as solar glass production, food processing, and rubber manufacturing.
Hajiji also highlighted that Chinese tourists accounted for the highest number of international visitors to Sabah.
Of the 991,659 tourist arrivals in the first nine months of the year, around 383,827 were from China.
He said more investment opportunities were available in the "blue economy," which encompasses economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal areas.
Hajiji said educational partnerships and cultural exchanges could further strengthen ties and develop a skilled workforce.
He expressed hope that the summit would foster productive discussions and collaborations benefiting both Sabah and China.
Meanwhile, state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who was also present, said Sabah aims to become an economic powerhouse through industrialisation and modernisation.
"We are now building a very open relationship with investors worldwide, especially China, given our proximity and connectivity," said Phoong.
China's Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, encouraged Chinese companies to seize opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative to bring greater benefits to the people of Sabah and China.