Sabah trade delegation visits Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A 12-man trade delegation from Sabah Malaysia visited Cebu for a two-day mission aimed at strengthening trade partnership and to encourage mutual technology and tourism exchange between Cebu and Sabah.

The delegation, organized by the Federation of Sabah Industries, primarily aims to  invite Cebuano businessmen to visit the Sabah International Expo (SIE 2014), this coming September 18 to 21, 2014.

In an interview yesterday with the Federation's president Datuk seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau, he said that aside from promoting the international exhibition to Cebu traders, the mission also kicks off Sabah’s strong initiative to partner with other countries like the Philippines, as it is moving to be the "Hub for the Far East", or a Dubai version of  Asia.

He said Cebu and Sabah could potentially start off an effective tourism, culture, and technology exchanges.

He said regional businessmen or SMEs should take a strong stand in terms of partnership, networking, and finding out each others' strength to grow as a region through complementation rather than competition.

Cebu is very attractive, Wong said adding that Cebu and Sabah could work together on mutual economic development programs specifically in tourism.

Sabah is one of the 13 member states of Malaysia, and is its easternmost state. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo.

It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest. It also shares a border with the province of North Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south.

The Federation has partnered with the Cebuano business communities led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and industry.

CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan said that the chamber will organize a mission to Sabah this coming September in time for the scheduled exposition.

The regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT-7), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7), presented to the delegation the tourism attractions of the Philippines and Cebu as well as the investment opportunities here. (FREEMAN)