KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is targeting more trade partners in a bid to accelerate the state’s economic growth, said Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
“The ministry has targeted several new potential countries to become trade partners and industrial markets for Sabah. Among them are Germany, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Thailand, which are expected to become importers of Sabah food products,” he said.
He said this in reply to a question by Datuk James Ratib (Upko-Sugut) on potential nations viewed as trade partners for Sabah during the state assembly sitting, here, today.
Wilfred, who is also state Deputy Chief Minister, said for palm oil and the logistics sector, the state would focus on nations such as Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Europe, United States, and New Zealand.
He said the state government is also looking at Russia for oil and gas industry sector as well as Japan and Vietnam for wood-based furniture industry.
Last year, Sabah’s main trade partners comprised Australia, India, Singapore, China and Philippines, which saw the East Malaysian state export crude oil, coconut oil, plywood, methanol and palm kernel oil.
Meanwhile, on a separate question from Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (PPBM-Klias) on employability of youths who had undergone training under the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM), Assistant state Education and Innovation Minister Jennifer Lasimbang said 73 per cent of them have since been employed.
“As of June this year, 77 per cent graduates from JPSM had secured jobs. JPSM is confident to increase the employability up to 90 per cent in 2020.
“JPSM is also collaborating with chambers of commerce, Tan Chong Motors, Perodua, Toyota, Proton, Fook Loi and Sabah Electrik Sdn Bhd in Sabah to get jobs for them.”