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Kota Kinabalu: Building direct business-sector links with Dongguan, one of China’s leading advanced-manufacturing hubs, emerged as a key strategy to unlock quality investment, technology sharing and new-sector jobs for Sabah, according to the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC).
SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew (pic) said the chamber aims to serve as a critical operational bridge between Sabah and Chinese business communities,advancing trade, investment, industrial collaboration and market-expansion initiatives following recent discussions with Dongguan industry representatives.
“Sabah and Dongguan possess complementary economic strengths. By building stronger business connections and encouraging practical cooperation, we can create new opportunities for enterprises from both sides while contributing positively to Sabah’s economic growth,” he said.
Frankie pointed to Sabah’s strategic ASEAN placement, abundant natural resources, developing industrial infrastructure and promise across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and logistics sectors.
Dongguan meanwhile brings deep experience in high-level manufacturing, industrial technologies, supply-chain organisation and global trade networks.
Closer ties could open pathways for technology transfer, joint-industry ventures and higher-value-adding operations in Sabah.
“Sabah offers significant opportunities for investors seeking to expand their presence in ASEAN. We hope to encourage more enterprises from Dongguan and other parts of China to explore Sabah as a destination for investment, production, distribution and business expansion,” he noted.
He praised the Sabah Government’s ongoing work to enhance the investment climate, upgrade connectivity infrastructure and drive industrial progress.
The chamber’s efforts support the goals of Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0, including drawing in investments, lifting industrial capability, developing skilled manpower and generating employment.
Liew stressed that incoming foreign investments must deliver tangible local gains by including Sabah-based SMEs, suppliers, professionals and workers.
“Investment cooperation should create opportunities not only for international investors but also for Sabah’s small and medium enterprises, young entrepreneurs and local workforce. By encouraging technology transfer, skills development and stronger business partnerships, we can help build a more competitive and sustainable economy for Sabah,” he added.
Priority cooperation sectors identified include manufacturing, agro-industries, food-processing, renewable energy, construction-materials, tourism, logistics, digital technology and professional services.
SCCC plans to spur business-to-business links via trade missions, investment forums, matching sessions, industrial tours and exchanges between business associations on both sides.
It also advocates deeper collaboration between Sabah and Chinese chambers of commerce to nurture lasting commercial partnerships.
Frankie noted partnerships with established industrial centres such as Dongguan can help Sabah-based firms enter new overseas markets, access newer technologies and join international supply chains.
He cautioned that successful economic collaboration requires more than networking trips; it rests on mutual trust, commercially viable projects and long-term shared benefits.
“Business cooperation must be built upon sincerity, mutual understanding and shared benefits. Our objective is to translate goodwill and friendship into meaningful business opportunities and sustainable investment projects,” he said.
He added Sabah’s geographic and resource strengths provide a solid foundation for deepening relations with China’s business community.
Frankie reaffirmed SCCC will keep collaborating with industry bodies, investors, operators and relevant government agencies to highlight Sabah’s investment appeal.
The chamber invites more Chinese entrepreneurs and investors to visit Sabah, explore prospects and forge partnerships with local companies.
“Sabah has tremendous potential for economic growth. Through closer cooperation, stronger business networks and continued engagement with international partners, we believe Sabah can attract more quality investments, generate employment opportunities and strengthen its position as an important economic gateway within ASEAN. Our Chamber will continue playing a constructive role in connecting Sabah with China, facilitating business cooperation and contributing to the state’s economic prosperity,” he concluded.
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