SCCC, DIDR collaborate to promote Sabah's SME products to China and international markets
KOTA KINABALU (July 1): The Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and the Sabah Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) have reached a consensus to work closely together in the future, joining forces to promote Sabah's small and medium enterprise (SME) products to China and broader international markets.
SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew and Deputy President Brett Chua made this announcement on Tuesday following a courtesy visit and discussion with DIDR director Siti Noor Aini Abdullah.
Liew revealed that during the courtesy call, the SCCC briefed the director on its upcoming trade promotion activities, including participation in the 14th China Henan Investment and Trade Fair (CHITF), scheduled to take place in Zhengzhou from September 26 to 28, 2025, as well as the planned 2025 Malaysia (Sabah)-China Business Summit to be held in Sabah in November 2025.
'We conveyed detailed information regarding these international trade exhibitions to Siti Noor Aini, with the hope that DIDR will help encourage and support local SMEs and entrepreneurs to bring Sabah-made specialty and native products to markets such as Zhengzhou, China. At the same time, we aim to increase international awareness of Sabah's products and potential,' said Liew.
He noted that the 15th China Henan Investment and Trade Fair will be held from September 26 to 28, 2025, in Zhengzhou, themed 'Sharing New Development Opportunities, Building a New Highland of Openness.'
The fair emphasizes two-way openness, domestic-international linkages, and integration of investment, trade and consumption. It serves the construction of a unified national market and the dual domestic-international circulation system.
A wide range of economic and trade exchange activities will be held, including industry matchmaking, project negotiations, exhibitions and international/regional cooperation.
'The CHITF is the only state-approved economic and trade event hosted by the Henan Provincial Government. Having been successfully held 14 times, it is the largest, most prestigious, and most influential international trade event in Henan.'
Liew stated that the 14th CHITF attracted high-level delegations from 24 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) across China and 29,000 business delegates from 43 countries and regions.
'The event included an opening ceremony, a high-level forum on openness, and more than 20 trade-related activities. It featured comprehensive and specialized exhibition zones covering a total area of 60,000 square meters, with over 600 top domestic and international enterprises showcasing their products — setting new records in exhibitor quality, exhibit space and product diversity.'
Key events include the opening ceremony, forums on China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0, China (Henan) Enterprises Going to Africa, and thematic industrial matchmaking events on AI-powered industrial development, innovative pharmaceuticals and international cooperation, and new retail development.
The planned exhibition area will be about 65,000 square meters, comprising general and specialized zones such as provincial showcases, international/domestic cooperation areas, and zones for new energy vehicles, food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, digital economy, new retail, premium export goods, and imported specialty products.
Liew also announced that SCCC participated in last year's Sabah–China Expo, organized by the Ministry of Industrial Development, which received an overwhelming response. This year, the Chamber plans to collaborate with other trade associations and organizations to host a similar event – the 2025 Malaysia (Sabah)–China Business Summit, providing a platform for local specialty agricultural and native products to enter international markets.
'We are very pleased that this meeting allowed DIDR to better understand the upcoming activities and service direction of SCCC. Both parties can now collaborate in various aspects to open up more trade channels and platforms, especially for local SMEs and producers,' he said.
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