KOTA KINABALU: China accounted for the highest international arrivals to Sabah in the first seven months of 2024, contributing 262,070 out of the 706,383 total foreign arrivals, a significant increase from the 26,054 arrivals in the same period last year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic) attributed this surge to the mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China, announced last December.

Speaking at the 75th anniversary reception of the founding of the Republic of China held here on Tuesday night (Sept 24), Hajiji expressed the state government's pleasure that Sabah continues to be a popular destination for Chinese visitors for both leisure and business.

Reaffirming Sabah's commitment to fostering strong economic ties with China, he said, "As economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and China continues to progress, I look forward to more synergy in all areas of cooperation between Sabah and China."

"The Sabah government will work closely with the Chinese Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu to enhance and continue this cooperation," he assured.

On a broader note, he mentioned that Malaysia and China have always enjoyed cordial relations, with China being the largest trading partner for both Malaysia and Sabah.

"Last year, the leaders of Malaysia and China reached an important consensus on jointly building the Malaysia-China community with a shared future.

"This signalled a new chapter in our bilateral relations, adding strong impetus to enhanced Malaysia-China and Sabah-China relations," said Hajiji.

He added that Sabah looks forward to identifying new opportunities and exploring new areas of collaboration with China, noting that the state offers ample opportunities for investors in green technology and high-tech agriculture, as well as mixed developments.

"We are also keen for Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the state’s Blue Economy.

"Similarly, the energy sector presents significant opportunities, and while oil and gas remain important revenue streams for Sabah, we welcome investors to also explore solar and storage technologies, hydro, geothermal, as well as carbon market opportunities," he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/24/hajiji-china-leads-international-arrivals-to-sabah-in-2024