KOTA KINABALU: There is an increase in Chinese investors and tourist into Sabah in recent years who are involved various development projects in Sabah.
President of the Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) Datuk Frankie Liew said they did not only visit the state as sightseers and participating in the Malaysia Second Home Project, but Chinese companies were also involved in business projects.
Speaking during the 1st (2019-2022) Committee Swearing in Ceremony of SCCC, he said this was evident through the ‘mushrooming of Food and Beverage outlets in the city that cater mainly to the Chinese market.
He said Malaysia had always enjoyed strong ties and relationship with China all this while, but SCCC was cautious about the challenges ahead especially with the current tough macroeconomic environment and the up and coming neighboring countries’ competition.
According to him, aggressive and active cooperation between the people and the government authorities were needed to resolve the shortcoming of the tourism industry, the administrative bureaucracy and policy issues.
“The cooperation between the people and government authorities are necessary in order to maintain our privilege as Chinese Trade and Tourist preferred partner.”
He also said, “We are a part of Malaysia but we must admit that Sabah have many differences with West Malaysia. Sabah is geographically located in the heart of ASEAN, rich in natural resources and we have been enjoying our harmonious atmosphere among the 42 ethnic groups and different religion.”
“Because we in Sabah are different, we are required to establish our own chamber of commerce to directly deal with and manage our trade relationship between the different provinces and cities of China. To have a highly effective and efficiency bilateral interest, initialization projects which facilitate the activity of investment, information, resources and industry docking should be carried out to achieve bi-directional interaction, mutual assistance, and communication,” he stated.
He said that was the reasons for a recent to the various industry talents and leaders to form the in the State to form Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
SCCC would be a communication hub, between the authorities and the local businesses and Chinese investors in tackling various issues and acquire feedback in constructive proposal to Policymakers.
“We are prepared to collect information and opinions from the current Chinese investors and companies operating in Sabah, a memorandum of understanding will be submitted to the government authorities in due course,” he said.
He later expressed his appreciation for support and encouragement shown by deputy chief minister Datuk Chistina Liew , Datuk Junz Wong, and Datuk Liew WC.
Also present during the event was Chinese Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Consul General Liang Caide, Deputy Consul General Zhang, members of Malaysia China Chamber of Commerce Sarawak Branch, Terengganu Branch, Sabah Branch, and young entrepreneurs.
The event’s Guest of Honour was the Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and who was accompanied by his consort Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni.-pr/BNN
