Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah hopes to see more investors coming to the State to establish win-win business deals.
The State Government, he said, is guided by the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap and “our commitment to growth is unwavering.”
“Our development agenda is based on the three growth pillars of Agriculture, Industry and Tourism, and placing emphasis on investing in our people, enhancing connectivity and green sustainability,” he said at the “Explore Kazakhstan” business presentation, here, Friday.
“Sabah is open for business. We are strategically located in Southeast Asia, being a part of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area).
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He also said Sabah’s trade hit a record high of RM118.1 billion in 2022 compared to RM87.2 billion in the previous year.
Hajiji’s speech was read by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Also present was Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia, Bulat Sugurbayev.
On the business presentation, Hajiji hoped it will give a glimpse to guests and participants of what Kazakhstan has to offer and will pave the way for both sides to explore bilateral trade partnership.
“There is much Malaysia and Kazakhstan can leverage further on each other’s strength.
“Both countries have had three decades of good relations following the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.
“The establishment of Astana and Putrajaya as sister cities in 1996 further cemented bilateral ties,” he said.
Kazakhstan, he added, was listed as Malaysia’s 97th global trading partner in 2022.
“Among the five Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan was Malaysia’s largest trading partner and export and import destination.
“For 2022, Malaysia’s total trade with Kazakhstan increased by 40.6 per cent from RM572.88 million (US$129.23 million), compared to RM407.51 million (US$98.59 million) registered in 2021.
“For 2022, a trade surplus of RM562.03 million (US$126.76 million) was recorded with Kazakhstan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Liew also said the State is keen to work together with Kazakhstan, especially on tourism.
Kazakhstan is among over 20 countries participating at the ongoing Sabah International Expo 2023 (SIE2023).
The republic is the ninth largest country in the world.
Strategically located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan has long been a crucial nexus for transportation and trade.
Over 80 per cent of goods bound for Europe from China and Central Asia, measured by volume, pass through Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan and Malaysia cooperate in priority sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, Islamic finance, halal standards, education and tourism.
Malaysian companies and investors are implemented projects in Kazakhstan on the amount over US$1 billion.
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