KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) are urged to continue  positive collaborations, such as at the Sabah International Expo (SIE), to promote  business and trade to attract more domestic and international investors to Sabah. 

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajijii Haji Noor was pleased to note that the  FSI has joined forces with captains of industries to move Sabah’s economy. 

“Collaboration and synergy between the business community and government are key  to ensure seamless implementation of our development agenda that will not only benefit  our state but also contribute significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he said at the FSI  40th Anniversary Gala Night at the Hakka Hall near here tonight. 

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II/Minister of Local Government and  Housing Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam. 

He said the State Government has always appreciated the private sector’s support as  partners in progress in the development of Sabah.  

“Indeed, the state government remains committed to lead and will push the development  momentum for all to thrive. Our development agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju  Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan that focuses on the three main thrusts of agriculture,  industry and tourism as the economic growth focus as well as human capital and  people’s well-being, infrastructure network and green sustainability, has borne fruits  going into the third year,” he said. 

The Chief Minister said Sabah has done well in domestic and foreign investments, as  evidenced from January to September 2023, where the state has recorded RM10.2  billion worth of investments, creating 891 employment from 99 projects.  

This represented 13 projects from the manufacturing sector, seven from the primary  sector (mining, plantation and commodity) and 79 from the services sector (real estate,  trade and distribution, tourism and utilities). 

He said the establishment of a dedicated state investment task force spoke volume of  the State Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support, guidance,  and a conducive environment for investors to thrive and succeed.

The State Government has taken proactive steps to ensure investing in Sabah continues  to be as seamless as possible in areas such as the energy sector, green technology based products, biomass downstream products, oil and gas and tourism, he said. 

Hajiji said Sabah welcomed investors to look into investment and business opportunities  in new industries, including the emerging Blue Economy concept of sustainable use of  marine resources for economic development to generate jobs and improve the people’s livelihood. 

He said that as Sabah formed the core of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area – BIMP-EAGA, the state can look forward to  deeper economic integration in this region and becoming a regional nexus for  manufacturing, maritime, and transportation, catering to both emerging and established  nations beyond Sabah’s shores. 

“I applaud FSI’s efforts to not only see Sabah developed as an economic hub but also  for its resolve to protect, promote and ensure a stable, conducive and transparent  business environment across all industries. Your objective aligns with the state  government’s aspiration of progressing Industry as one of the main SMJ thrusts.  

“I am also happy to see FSI’s role in continuing to uphold the spirit of industry leadership,  pooling resources, shaping economies and making concerted efforts to introduce new  avenues and opportunities to propel our industry and economy forward.  

“Well done, FSI and your esteemed members, for the remarkable progress achieved  over these four decades. The Sabah State Government welcomes contributions such as  FSI’s to pursue more opportunities to take Sabah to the next level,” he said. 

Ends