Kota Kinabalu: Businesses in the BIMP-EAGA sub-region must break out of their silos and work more closely across borders to unlock the full potential of its more than 81 million people, said Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah Chairperson Datuk Susan Chang.
She said the region had tremendous potential, backed by its talented people, natural resources, young and growing population and a halal market that was attracting global attention, but businesses were still facing difficulties trading across borders, getting halal products into the markets they deserved and identifying suitable partners in neighbouring countries.
“These challenges show a need for greater collaboration among businesses and industry players in the region,” she said at the third BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment and Halal Industry Conference on Wednesday.
Susan, who is also the BIMP-EAGA Business Council Country Director, said the conference was a platform for stakeholders to connect with one another, explore opportunities and build relationships that could lead to greater trade and investment.
Its theme, “Connecting Markets, Scaling Value”, was a call for stakeholders to stop working in silos and instead work as a team. She also thanked the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the conference’s co-organiser, POIC Sabah and other supporters and sponsors, as well as Organising Chairman Datuk Jade Koh and his team.
She hoped that the gathering would mark the beginning of closer relationships among businesses and organisations across the region.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the presence of delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Philippines and other parts of Malaysia and beyond reflected a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and unlocking the tremendous economic potential of the BIMP-EAGA region.
He said the city’s position as a gateway to Sabah and an important part of the BIMP-EAGA region made it proud to host a conference that brought neighbouring countries closer together.
“I hope this conference will open the door to new partnerships, new ideas and lasting friendships across the BIMP-EAGA region,” he concluded.
The event also saw the launching of the BIMP-EAGA Halal Trade Handbook 2026, containing lists of halal regulations and highlights from all four countries.