Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) Sabah Branch and the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry are scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in December to strengthen trade and investment ties between Sabah and the Southern Philippines.
The planned agreement follows a three-day trade and investment mission to Zamboanga City from Sept. 6 to 8, led by FMM president Jacob Lee Chor Kok and FMM Sabah Branch chairman Liaw Hen Kong, and coordinated with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL).
During the mission, the 17-member delegation assessed the economic potential of Zamboanga City and its surrounding islands, while examining challenges affecting traditional barter trade and maritime freight transport between Sabah and the Southern Philippines.
FMM said efficient and secure maritime transport was important to bilateral trade and to people-to-people exchanges and community welfare between Sabah and the Southern Philippines.
The delegation held a courtesy call and closed-door meeting with Zamboanga City Mayor Khmer Adan Olaso and local government and agency officials to discuss improving maritime trade clearance, maritime security, and regulatory frameworks.
The meeting also covered border management issues, including the repatriation and handling of Philippine nationals overstaying in Sabah.
The delegation also took part in a business matching and networking session involving Malaysian delegates and local industry players from six sectors — packaging and metals, utilities and power, building and infrastructure, beverages and distribution, halal food and condiments, and specialty and trade services.
It also inspected Zamboanga Port to assess its capacity and explore ways to improve cargo shipping efficiency.
The delegation subsequently visited the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority to learn about foreign investment incentives and fiscal packages, as well as one of the city’s major sardine processing plants.
Zamboanga City has 14 sardine canning facilities and is the Philippines’ largest sardine manufacturing and export hub.
FMM Sabah Branch said the planned MOU would establish a “Sister Chamber” relationship with the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate longer-term cooperation between the business communities.
Following the mission, FMM Sabah Branch plans to lead a larger delegation of Sabah entrepreneurs and industry leaders to Zamboanga City for the MOU signing ceremony in December.
The planned agreement is intended to provide a platform for businesses on both sides to explore trade and investment opportunities while addressing practical issues affecting cross-border commerce.
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