KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is determined to push the investment momentum from China  and to ensure the state will remain an attractive destination for investments, said Chief  Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

He said Sabah's economic ties with China are driven by strong trade, investment, and  collaborative projects across sectors.  

"For the manufacturing sector, our state has received RM3.07 billion in investments from  China to date, which have created 3,086 jobs. These investments involved solar glass  manufacturing, silica and processing, food manufacturing, rubber products, wood-based  products, and plastic products. 

"I have stressed from the onset that we are investor-friendly, and we will ease all hurdles  to facilitate investments. In this respect, 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. 

"The cooperation between Malaysia and China has advanced significantly, with both  countries continuously working together to promote mutual interests, and I am confident  that this partnership will continue to flourish," he said at the opening of the Seventh  Global Longchuan Association Conference, the first to be hosted outside of China at the  Sabah International Convention Centre, here today. 

Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe delivered  his speech. 

The Chief Minister said the energy sector presents significant opportunities, and while  oil and gas remain important revenue streams for Sabah, "we welcome investors to also  explore the Blue Economy, solar and storage technologies, hydro, geothermal and  carbon market opportunities."  

"I am pleased to know that we have participants of various backgrounds, including  entrepreneurs, with us here today. We encourage you to learn more about Sabah and  its investment potential and welcome all of you to invest here," he said.

The Chief Minister said in addition to strong bilateral relations, the other aspect worth  mentioning was the strong family ties the Longchuan clan has in common with Sabah.  

"There is a very large Longchuan community here in Sabah with over 100,000 people of  Longchuan origin. Many of you have relatives here too, and I am sure that will make  your visit to Sabah so much more meaningful. 

"Thank you to Dr. Wu Huiquan, the Global Longchuan Chairman and his board members  for choosing to host this conference in Sabah. Thank you too to Mr. Chong Su Leong,  President of the Malaysia Longchuan Association and your Central Committee members  for inviting me to address this conference," he said. 

Ends