KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah government and business delegation will visit Guangzhou, China, from Nov 11 to 14, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Malaysia-China cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, the food industry, trade and investment.
The four-day Malaysia-China Guangzhou Government and Business Exchange and Industry Visit Programme, which includes a business networking dinner, is jointly led by Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah chairman Datuk Dexter Lau.
More than 100 representatives from the political, business and various industrial sectors are expected to participate in the visit.
The initiative reflects the Sabah government’s commitment to working closely with the business community through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to promote industrial development, strengthen food security and expand international market opportunities.
Government and MCCC Sabah Join Hands to more effective Cooperation.
The visit is jointly organised by MCCC Sabah and the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI), with the aim of bringing together government policy direction, industrial resources and the chamber’s business network to establish a more effective platform for cooperation.
It will provide opportunities for government departments, business organisations and companies to strengthen connections and explore potential cross-border business and investment ventures.
Datuk Dexter Lau said the visit had received strong support from the Sabah government, reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding international economic and trade relations and deepening industrial cooperation.
He said the delegation hoped to leverage Datuk Jamawi’s support to introduce Sabah’s strengths and investment potential in agriculture, fisheries and the food industry to China’s government and business communities.
The initiative also demonstrates Sabah’s determination to strengthen its international presence, pursue strategic partnerships, attract investments and expand export markets.
Lau expressed hope that the visit would serve as a catalyst for closer industrial cooperation between Sabah and China.
The Minister’s participation highlights the Sabah government’s strong commitment to advancing international cooperation across the agriculture, fisheries and food sectors.Focus on Food Security and Modern Agricultural Development
Datuk Dexter Lau said food security, the application of agricultural technology and the modernisation of the food industry would be among the key priorities of the visit.
Amid ongoing changes in global food supply chains, countries are placing greater emphasis on enhancing domestic food production, strengthening food supplies and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
He noted that Sabah had a strong foundation in agriculture, fisheries and food production, and that integrating advanced international technologies, industrial resources and market networks would be crucial to improving productivity and strengthening the competitiveness of local industries.
He said the visit would provide opportunities for the delegation to engage with relevant Chinese government departments, industry organisations and businesses to gain insights into developments in modern agriculture and fisheries, while exploring potential areas of technological exchange, industrial investment and commercial cooperation.
Through closer collaboration, the Sabah government and MCCC Sabah also hope to facilitate greater integration of the state’s agriculture, fisheries and food industries with international markets, creating more opportunities to strengthen food security and enhance local industrial capabilities.
Business Exchanges to Build a Bridge to Greater Bay Area MarketsDatuk Dexter Lau said the visit would also serve as an important platform for government representatives, chamber leaders and business communities from Malaysia and China to establish connections and explore opportunities in investment, trade and industrial cooperation.
As a major commercial hub and key city within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Guangzhou offers extensive industrial networks, market resources and international business connections.
