Explore China's Halal Market, Sabah Entrepreneurs Urged

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia) Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Entrepreneurs in Sabah, a state of east Malaysia, should tap into China's halal market, said its State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang. He explained that China's more than 15 million Muslims make up a large market for halal products. "There is great potential to have more collaboration and cooperation in trading halal products in China," he told reporters after hosting a dinner for China Consul-General in Sabah Chen Peijie here Tuesday night. Teo, who returned on Monday (Oct 3) after leading a 10-member delegation on a working visit to China, hoped to strengthen Sabah's friendship with China by venturing into comprehensive strategic partnerships, especially in economic development, cultural exchange, tourism development and e-commerce. During the dinner, Sugut Assemblyman Datuk James Ratib, who was one of the delegates on the visit to China, made a personal donation of RM30,000, which was handed over to Chen, to an Islamic religious school at the Tia Jia Mosque in Linxia, a city in the Chinese province of Gansu. James said he was moved by the plight of the students, who come from poor families. "This (donation) is also the first step for Muslims in Sabah to establish a friendship with the Muslim community in China and I hope there will be more contributions to come," he said. Chen said the donation demonstrates the deep friendship forged between Sabah and China, adding the visit by the Sabah delegation was fruitful and she looked forward to more exchange. -- BERNAMA