GUANGZHOU, China: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah, led by Datuk Dexter Lau, has urged the Guangzhou government—and the Chinese government more broadly—to address three issues affecting the chamber.
Datuk Dexter said the request came from MCCC Sabah members and the people of Sabah.
“Currently, we cannot export durians directly because we have to go through the federal government. We are also unable to export fish directly; it has to be shipped through Peninsular Malaysia before consumers there can access it.
“The same applies to bird’s nests, which must also go through the federal government,” he said.
Datuk Dexter spoke to reporters after meeting 12 representatives from Guangzhou government-linked companies (GLCs) and chambers of commerce here today.
He said he had already raised these issues with representatives in China, particularly agricultural officials and the Chinese government, and urged them to find a solution.
According to Datuk Dexter, the Guangzhou government responded positively to MCCC Sabah’s request, and the parties held extensive discussions during today’s meeting.
“I believe this is an opportunity for Sabah to export directly. The Tourism Ministry has successfully secured direct-flight connections for us, and we have concluded agreements for those routes.
“We now have around 12 direct flights to many cities, which we are proud to highlight as a significant achievement.
“This means we have also established strong logistical links between Sabah and China. Why aren’t we making better use of these connections and the movement of goods?
“We have the tools—so why not use them to expand our operations, grow our businesses and sales, and help lower consumer costs?
“And at the same time, it’s a win-win for China, for Sabah and also for the people of both countries as well,” he said
