SCCC strengthens East Malaysia economic ties through Sarawak visit
KOTA KINABALU (July 4): The Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), led by President Datuk Frankie Liew, held a meaningful exchange session with Sarawak Chinese community leaders yesterday, reaching a consensus to maintain close communication and cooperation.
The aim is to promote economic collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak, inject new vitality into regional development, and position East Malaysia as a strategic hub for Chinese investment into ASEAN.
Liew visited Kuching where he paid courtesy calls on local Chinese community leaders and municipal council chairpersons. He was hosted at a luncheon by Datuk Seri Lau Wei Chiang JP, President of the Federation of Foochow Associations of Malaysia and Executive President of the World Federation of Foochow Associations.
Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation opportunities.
Among the prominent Sarawak Chinese leaders present at the gathering were Temenggong Datuk Chin Nyuk Fei, the highest-ranking Chinese leader in Kuching Division, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Chen Kai, Datuk Kong Chai Hing, Datuk Chai Chuan Wei and Chen Zezhang.
Liew stated that the purpose of this visit was to enhance economic cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak and to jointly promote investment and trade activities between East Malaysia and China.
'The main objective of this trip is to strengthen collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak in the economic, cultural and social spheres, especially in attracting Chinese investments,' he explained.
He emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak are geographically adjacent, rich in talent and resources, and strategically located — making them ideal gateways for Chinese enterprises investing in East Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region.
During the meeting with Sarawak Chinese leaders, various potential cooperation projects were discussed, including those in manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Liew stressed that both Sabah and Sarawak possess abundant natural resources and favorable investment environments. Their strengths in energy and industrial park development offer unique advantages.
Collaboration between the two states would enable synergy and contribute significantly to regional economic growth.
He also highlighted that the SCCC had previously accompanied a Sabah state government delegation on an official visit to Jilin Province, China, where they signed cooperation agreements worth approximately RM600 million. These projects cover sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing and have already brought substantial economic benefits and job opportunities to Sabah.
'Through this visit, we hope to deepen our cooperation with Sarawak and attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in East Malaysia, driving shared economic prosperity,' Liew said.
He noted that this meeting marked an important step forward in the economic collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak. Both sides will continue maintaining close contact and actively pursue concrete cooperation projects that bring fresh momentum to regional economic development.
'Sabah and Sarawak share bright prospects for cooperation. With complementary advantages in resources, industries and policy environments, both states can offer Chinese businesses more opportunities to expand into Southeast Asia,' he added.
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