KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor expressed hope that initiatives like the BigSabah Sale will further expand market access and strengthen Sabah’s position in both regional and international trade.
“I hope platforms such as the BigSabah Sale will continue to foster commercial partnerships and reinforce Sabah’s economic integration with BIMP-EAGA and the AsiaPacific corridor,” he said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the BigSabah Sale at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today, Hajiji said strong and meaningful partnerships drive Sabah’s commercial growth.
“The State Government values collaboration with industry stakeholders whose support has enabled wider trade facilitation, market expansion and business development for local entrepreneurs.
“The presence of international exhibitors and hosted buyers today reflects growing confidence in Sabah’s potential as a trading gateway in East ASEAN,” he said.His speech was delivered by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
He said the BigSabah Sale exemplified Sabah’s ongoing progress in cultivating a dynamic, well-connected economy. He said it highlighted the importance of enterprise participation, industry collaboration, and regional cooperation as key drivers of sustainable growth.
Hajiji added that through innovation, sustainability, and smart collaboration, Sabah is steadily transforming into a high-value business and investment destination.
“I encourage all exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and investors to maximise this opportunity -form new partnerships, explore new product ecosystems and drive new ideas,” he said.
He said the State Government recognises business events as a catalyst for economic activity and a strategic driver of trade connectivity.
“In November 2022, the State Government established the Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) to elevate Sabah’s competitiveness in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (M.I.C.E).
“Through collaboration with industry players, the SCB continues to play a vital role in enhancing the business events ecosystem by attracting industry programmes and enhancing Sabah’s visibility in the global events landscape,” he added.
“Business events are powerful engines of opportunity, as they generate economic activity not only for the hospitality and retail sectors, but also for logistics, agriculture, retail, technology, and manufacturing.
“Equally important, they strengthen local supply chains and talent growth,” he said.Thirteen countries — Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan — are participating in this year’s BigSabah Sale. – pr/BNN
