Kota Kinabalu: Invest Sabah Berhad (ISB) plays a crucial role in promoting Sabah to foreign companies and attracting them to invest. ISB Chairman, Senator Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the government-owned business facilitator has its doors open for all ministries in the country to promote Sabah to the world.
“This partnership will enable us to leverage on the extensive network and resources to attract more foreign investment to Sabah.
“Sabah has a lot to offer foreign investors, from its strategic location to its abundant natural resources and diverse economy. However, we need to do more to showcase our state’s potential and attract the right investors.
“ISB must strive to be above and beyond the investment arms of other states in Malaysia. To achieve this, we need to increase our programs and get involved in international programs to establish contacts with potential companies.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell’s Access to Energy helps power lives of isolated communities in Sabah Kota Kinabalu: In 2017, Sabah Shell Petroleum Co Ltd (SSPC) launched Access to Energy (A2E), a Shell Social Investment programme aimed at providing affordable and continuous supply of electricity from renewable sources for communities who live without connection to the electricity grid. Read more “We need to be proactive in reaching out to potential investors and showcasing what Sabah has to offer,” said the Former Foreign Minister.
Anifah said he holds a grand vision for Sabah and how the state, a gateway to the Asean markets, can be positioned as an important factor in Malaysia’s geopolitical importance.
“Sabah is easily accessible by air, sea and land, and is positioned at the intersection of the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
“This strategic location places Sabah in an ideal position to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in the region.
“Sabah also boasts a stable political environment, with a strong focus on economic development and attracting foreign investment.
“It is rich in natural resources, including timber, oil and gas, minerals and fertile soil for agriculture and is committed to promoting high industries such as manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy,” he said.
He stressed that the population of the soon to be neighbouring Indonesian capital, Nusantara, will be far greater than that of Sabah.
“This is what ISB will plan and work closely with federal and state agencies so that we will be ready when the opportunity comes.
“Sabah’s manufacturing sector is rapidly growing, with a focus on high value-added industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and renewable energy. With the state’s focus on developing the manufacturing industry, investors can participate in this growing sector.
“Sabah’s oil and gas sector is also a key driver of the state’s economy. The vast reserves of oil and gas, has attracted major players in the industry, providing opportunities for investors to participate in this lucrative sector.
“We are currently dependent on oil which is a key driver of the state but we cannot depend entirely on the sector. Our vast reserves have attracted mega companies like Shell, Exxon and Hibiscus,” he said.
He added that ISB will take the lead in Sabah’s cultural and natural attractions, contributing to Malaysia’s soft power and greater cooperation between other nations.
“Let us work together to showcase Sabah’s potential to the world and position Sabah as an important factor in Malaysia’s geopolitical importance,” he said.
Anifah was speaking at ISB iftar event held at Le Meridien Hotel on Tuesday where orphans and the underprivileged students from Madrasah Tahfiz Al Quran Nahdatul Ilmiah in Taman Sempelang and Pusat Tahfiz Ash-Shabab Al-Mardiyah in Tuaran were presented with duit raya.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, State Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Datuk James Ratib, ISB CEO Datuk Madiyem Layapan and Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang.
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