KOTA KINABALU: Sabah looks forward to renewing and sustaining cooperation with China in three crucial areas - tourism, human capital development and harnessing natural resources.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic) said Malaysia and China’s close diplomatic ties established 48 years ago were meaningful given that it took real courage for both countries to step forward and make the historic step.
He said by now, Sabah has seen the fruits of this bold move with China now being Malaysia’s largest trading partner, and Malaysia ranking near the top of China’s trading partners in Southeast Asia.
He said this at the 48th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Malaysia and China and 10th Anniversary Celebration cum Installation of the Executive Committee of Malaysia - China Friendship Association Sabah at Kian Kok Middle School here on Saturday (Dec 10).
Hajiji's speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
"Looking ahead, I think there are at least three areas where the crucial cooperation between China and Sabah could be renewed and hopefully sustained,” he said.
“The first is, not surprisingly, in tourism. Both Sabah and China are endowed with natural beauty and rich cultures and we should open up more direct flights and cruise lines to enable our people to visit,” he said.
Hajiji said the pandemic had halted the momentum for increased tourism and when China eventually opens its border in the near future, Sabah hopes to welcome Chinese tourists to Sabah, to see more visitors from China and vice-versa.
He said the second area was in capacity building and in particular human resources with many Sabah students and technical personnel looking forward to more opportunities and scholarships for studying in China’s universities and training institutes.
He said Sabah also welcomes China’s students and technical personnel to study in its universities and training institutes.
"In fact, Xiamen University has already built a large campus in Malaysia, and we welcome more Chinese universities and training institutes to set up their branch campuses here in Sabah,” said Hajiji.
He said by taking part in the educational experience of both countries, they will see better integration and closer cooperation in many areas.
As for the third area of cooperation, he said it should not only be about how to harness natural resources for short-term development but also an opportunity for all to work together in a ‘greener fashion’.
“This means preserving our natural heritage such that we do not further induce climate change on the one hand, and still be able to undertake much needed developments that could improve the sustainable livelihoods of our people," Hajiji said.
Earlier, he said Sabah was fortunate to be both a beneficiary and an active participant in the fruitful relationship between Malaysia and China that was established nearly half a century ago.
"The large volume of our commodity exports from Sabah to China and the large number of Chinese tourists who came to visit Sabah before the pandemic is a testament to this," he said.
Commending the Malaysia - China Friendship Association Sabah, Hajiji said it was heartening to note that the association has been working tirelessly to complement the efforts of Malaysia and China, including the Sabah government to enhance relations between Sabah and China, especially at the grassroots level.
"The various cultural, educational and commercial exchange activities undertaken by the association involving both Sabah and China, spoke volumes for the association’s important role in the Sabah-China link. I hope this significant bridging role will continue," he said.
He hoped the association will continue to work closely with the state government to enhance bilateral relations.
