Sabah Seeks Investors in Blue Economy

Local and international businesses must explore and dive into Sabah’s Blue Economy which offers promising opportunities including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime services, coastal and island tourism, marine renewable energy, logistics, shipbuilding and repair, and other ocean-based industries.

The government welcomes entrepreneurs in developing higher-value downstream activities from the marine resources. The government seeks to create greater value from the resources and promote downstream industries, technology transfer, innovation, skills development and stronger participation by local businesses to build a more diversified, resilient and sustainable economy.

“We will ensure that marine resources are developed responsibly and sustainably, creating economic opportunities while protecting the marine ecosystems,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the Welcome Dinner on 4th September 2026 hosted by the State Government in conjunction with Sabah International Expo (SIE2026) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.

“With strategic partnerships, Sabah can develop a more dynamic and sustainable Blue Economy, creating new industries, generating employment and opening new sources of income for our communities. This is an area with considerable potential for regional and international collaboration.”

he event includes participants from more than 15 countries, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Senegal and Zambia. Sabah’ s geographic location in the ASEAN region and the wider Asia-Pacific region gives it an important role to play in strengthening regional trade and investment and within the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area) framework, Sabah can be a strategic gateway for trade, investment, tourism and economic cooperation.

“Through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, we are pursuing initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, develop human capital, attract quality investments and unlock new economic sectors,” Hajiji said.

“We seek investors and entrepreneurs to strategically develop businesses technology and innovation, promote higher-value activities, generate skilled employment and deliver sustainable economic benefits. We are opened to partnerships, and we welcome businesses who share our ambition to create sustainable growth and a better future.”

Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister II / Finance Minister delivered the CM’s speech.