Sabah’s largest industrial park in Kimanis
Published on: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
“Sabah is twice the size of Taiwan, with vast tropical rainforests and pristine forests, holding many treasures waiting to be discovered,” George said.
Kota Kinabalu: The State Government recently approved a 10,000-acre site in Kimanis as Sabah’s largest industrial park, said Invest Sabah Berhad Deputy Chairman George Wong.
Inviting foreign investors to set up factories there, he said Sabah is a haven for investment for its advantageous geographical location and developed aviation industry with the second busiest airport in the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Sabah is twice the size of Taiwan, with vast tropical rainforests and pristine forests, holding many treasures waiting to be discovered,” he said.
Wong was attending a business exchange meeting between Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew and Lu Xingying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Changsha Municipal People's Government, at the SCCC office, here.
It was attended by SCCC Investment Advisor Prof Datuk NK Foo and Marketing Divison Manager Jaccie Koh as well as Lu’s delegation members.
Earlier, Liew welcomed leaders from the Changsha Municipal People's Government Foreign Affairs Office to Sabah, saying their visit would provide a clearer and deeper understanding of the region.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Many might be familiar with Kuala Lumpur but might not know the actual geographical location of Sabah.
"Although Sabah has a more complex ethnic composition, there are no ethnic conflicts. It is neighbouring Indonesia, Philippines and Brunei but maintains a more harmonious relationship with its surroundings.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We don't have severe natural disasters and our population density is low. Geographically, our location is highly advantageous for both maritime and aviation travel, serving as a hub for international, especially Southeast Asian routes.
“We are within a three-hour flight to regions like Hong Kong, Macau, West Malaysia and Bangkok, and four to five hours to Taiwan, Korea and Perth, Australia. Thus, our tourism industry is very developed, with China and Korea being our largest tourist sources.
“In terms of resources, we have abundant petroleum and natural gas and are Malaysia's main producer of palm oil, rubber and cocoa. We also have high-quality seafood, which is starting to enter the Chinese market," Liew said.
He said labour, capital, infrastructure and technology shortages are the biggest challenges faced by Sabah, adding these areas also present the best entry points for Chinese investors.
Liew said Sabah welcomed Chinese investment, especially in infrastructure, agriculture, new energy and food processing.
"SCCC is recognised and valued by the Sabah Government as a business partner. We maintain close cooperation with the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry, the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department and Invest Sabah Berhad, and co-organise significant international conventions and events.
“We also frequently organise delegations to various cities in China to participate in activities and business matchmaking, visit government authorities and inspect enterprises and projects,” he said, adding liaison offices have been established in Shengzhou and Guangzhou.
Foo, meanwhile suggested that Chinese investors develop aquaculture in Sabah such as grouper and sell the produce back to China, believing it would have a significant market.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
.jpg)
