KOTA KINABALU: Some 23 countries will be taking part in Sabah’s premier trade fair, dubbed the Sabah International Expo 2012 (SIE2012), to be held in September.
Themed “ Sabah – Hub for the Far East”, SIE2012, which is held for the seventh time, is scheduled for four days from Sept 21 to 24 at the Magellan Sutera Convention Centre, aiming to attract both commercial and economic interests to come to Sabah.
Organised jointly by the Malaysia International Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah Branch and the Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM), Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Mahiruddin is expected to launch the event on Sept 20.
FSM president Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau, in a press conference, yesterday, disclosed that a one-day international business luncheon talk will feature successful entrepreneur Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, the AirAsia Berhad Group chief executive officer and director, as the sole guest speaker.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun has agreed to be the moderator.
Some 500 local and international participants from the public and private sectors are expected to take part, he said, adding that to date, 30 per cent bookings from the 200 booths were received from foreign participants.
It also comprises both new and repeat exhibitors.
“Local and foreign business people are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these potentials. Whether looking to promote your company, or product and services, expand and penetrate new market, conduct market survey, benchmarking, establish networks, business partnerships and collaborations, business updates, business-matching, new innovations, this international expo will be the right platform,” he said after the launch of the MICCI Sabah Branch annual luncheon by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, here.
Wong encouraged the local business operators to capitalise on and tap the vast opportunities, especially with the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreements.
“While the government upgrades and develops infrastructure to meet the standard required of the New Economic Policy, including high-income and highly skilled workforce, the private sector is encouraged to help foster Sabah as a regional economic hub,” he said.
The expo is open to trade visitors on the first day (Sept 21) from 10am to 3pm, and public from 3pm to 10pm. From Sept 22 -23, the expo is open to public from 10am to 9pm, and from 10am to 4pm on Sept 24.
On a different note, MICCI Sabah chairman Datuk A Arulpragasam urged the state government to hasten the construction of the long overdue Convention Centre.
“The SIE2012, since its inception in 2000, has been receiving tremendous response,” he said.
He added that to meet the demand, the organising committee had to hold the event at the hotel to offer spacious area for the exhibitors.