Sabah well positioned to bridge deeper Malaysia-China cooperation, says CM Hajiji
by Nancy Lai · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Sept 23): Sabah is well positioned to serve as an important bridge for deeper Malaysia-China cooperation, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He said Sabah’s relationship with China forms an important part of the broader Malaysia-China partnership, with ties between Sabah and China extending far beyond the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
“For centuries, maritime trade routes connected the coastal communities of Borneo with southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia.
“These connections enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, cultures, and people, creating bonds that remain meaningful to this day,” he said in a speech read by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Magellan Sutera Resort here on Tuesday.
Hajiji said Sabah’s strategic geographical location, economic potential, natural resources and long-standing people-to-people links provide a strong platform for engagement between Chinese enterprises, institutions and communities.
“Trade and investment remain central pillars of Sabah–China relations. China is one of Sabah’s most important trading partners, with cooperation encompassing commodities, agriculture, fisheries, manufactured products, tourism and services.
“Chinese companies operating in Sabah have contributed to economic development, employment creation, infrastructure development and stronger business linkages,” he said.
He said Sabah also offered significant opportunities for Chinese investment in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, digital services and the blue economy.
There was also considerable scope for Sabah and China to share expertise in areas including agriculture, marine conservation, clean energy, smart farming and aquaculture, he said.
“By aligning Sabah’s economic strengths with China’s expertise, investment capacity, and technological capabilities, we can create meaningful and mutually beneficial outcomes,” he said.
Tourism was another key area of potential cooperation, with Sabah confident that the sector could be further strengthened through improved air connectivity, expanded digital marketing and the development of eco-tourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism products.
Beyond economic cooperation, Hajiji said there was also considerable potential to expand collaboration in education, culture and people-to-people exchanges through university partnerships, student exchanges, language programmes, research collaboration, scholarships, cultural performances, youth activities, and science and technology initiatives.
“These exchanges are particularly important because they deepen mutual understanding and foster friendships among future generations.
“They remind us that the true strength of bilateral relations lies not only in trade and investment, but also in the connections between our peoples,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hajiji said Sabah remained committed to supporting Malaysia’s strong and constructive relationship with China while advancing the state’s priorities under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development agenda.
“Sabah is ready and keen to serve as an important platform for Malaysia–China cooperation,” he said.