KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is seeking investment collaboration with the Australian government.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that the potential sectors include food industry, biomass, mining and green manufacturing.
"Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke and I have identified several areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration, laying the groundwork for initiatives that will benefit both parties in the future.
"This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation," he said in a statement after visiting the new Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Phoong had paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia.
The Luyang assemblyman also expressed the significance of strengthening ties between Sabah and Australia, given the strong cultural and educational connections between the regions.
He also praised Australia's efforts in advancing renewable energy, particularly in regions like South Australia and Canberra, where some areas have achieved 100 per cent renewable energy generation.
He added that Sabah was eager to learn from Australia's successes in this field as Sabah had recently gained jurisdiction over energy from the federal government.
"I also welcome Australian enterprises to explore investment opportunities in Sabah."
He cited similarities between the two regions' lengthy coastlines and the potential for collaboration in desalination technology.
"I am also hoping to enhance air connectivity between Sabah and Australia, particularly in the Perth-Kota Kinabalu route, to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people ties."
