In line with the global environmental standards, 80 per cent of palm oil plantations in  Sabah have achieved the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification as of last year,  he said. 

Besides that, Hajiji said there are ample opportunities for investors from China and  Asean in green technology, high-tech agriculture, and mixed developments. 

"Sabah is also pitching to Chinese investors to explore the state’s Blue Economy  concept, which involves the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth,  improved livelihoods, and jobs.  

"Sabah also looks forward to increased cooperation with China in green energy,  manufacturing, high-technology agriculture, and smart city construction, among other  areas, to promote mutual benefits and win-win partnerships," he said. 

"While oil and gas remain important revenue streams for Sabah, we welcome investors  also to explore solar and storage technologies, hydro, geothermal, and carbon market  opportunities," he added. 

Hajiji said China is the largest source of foreign tourists to Sabah with 135,855 of the  396,564 international arrivals for the first four months this year from the People's  Republic of China.  

He believed the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 represents not only a significant platform  for strengthening bilateral trade and investment but also an excellent opportunity to  highlight and further develop Sabah’s thriving tourism sector.  

Hajiji said the summit was auspicious as it marked the 50th anniversary of the  establishment of Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with China, which fell on May 31, 2024.  

"Our two countries have had a long history of good bilateral relations and in the past  few years, we have experienced remarkable progress in exchanges and cooperation in  various fields - trade, investment, education, culture, tourism, and beyond.  

"Sabah supports this initiative as a platform to further enhance our bilateral relations and  shared prosperity to include ASEAN, thereby strengthening our regional economic  integration," he said. 

Ends