KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Indian Chambers of Commerce (SICC) president Datuk V Jothi called on its members to take on new challenges that will benefit the Indian business community in the state.
Speaking at SICC’s 11th annual general meeting here on July 2, Jothi said that over the years, SICC has steadily aided the Indian business community in Sabah.
Jothi who gave an overview of the initiatives taken by SICC in bolstering the business opportunities among the Indian community in Sabah stressed that it is time for SICC to take on new challenges especially those that will benefit the community.
“In line with this SICC launched its ‘Mission 2024: Transformational Journey Towards a vibrant and dynamic Indian business community’ program intended to put SICC at the fore front of ensuring a vibrant and dynamic Indian community,” he said.
According to Jothi, none of the aforementioned initiatives could be done without the support of the state government and expressed SICC’s gratitude and appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor for recognizing the Indian agenda in Sabah and giving SICC the responsibility of implementing it.
Jothi said that in order to see significant change in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) halatuju journey and to be on the same page with its Development Plan, SICC needs to take advantage of every opportunity to make the chamber relevant.
“We believe doing this would enable SICC to more relevant and serve the Indian community better,” said Jothi adding that SICC members have been working diligently to ensure the state government sets aside a specific amount in business loans so that they can compete against their peers.
Currently, SICC is taking a number of initiatives to provide relevant information to its members in the areas of trade, industry, and other economic sectors, he said.
Other than that, SICC is dedicated to organizing and participating in economic meetings, trade missions, and exhibits, as well as other activities aimed at promoting economic cooperation.
“We are also working hard to develop collaboration with the various chambers of commerce and other commercial and industry groups in the state so as to safeguard and advance our members’ interests in commerce, industry, primary industries, and other economic sectors.
“We hope to engage with all of you for the purpose of identifying, developing, promoting and implementing practical, catalytic strategies for addressing major challenges in our business community and I believe with your cooperation and support we will be able to achieve all this,” he said.-pr/BNN
