Perutusan dari Pengerusi Penganjur SIE2008

Sabah's premier trade exposition has grown bigger and better and with the staging of this ongoing fifth biennial event, SIE has undoubtedly reinforced its stronghold as the foremost important event of this nature in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia, Malaysia-Philippines - East Asean Growth Area).

Once again, the Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM) and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) are indeed honoured to be entrusted with the task of organizing the SIE2008, together with the cooperation of the State government.

Assurance is also hereby given that the complexities and bureaucracy in the demanding trade relationships within BIMP-EAGA region would be addressed through this event. The Federal and State governments have set the tone of foreign and trade relations at the broader strategic level and the main mechanism to support this is by bringing business communities together to drive the economic agenda through the Sabah International Business Conference (SIBC2008) and Sabah International Expo (SIE2008). The integral objectives of this advocacy are to focus and ignite commercial interests and international partnerships into a central location that are facilitated and encouraged by the continuing efforts and development strategies from the governments.

SIE2008 committee members are strongly committed to our ongoing work to improving access by international investors to the BIMP-EAGA region.

I wish to accord my heartiest thanks and gratitude to the State Government of Sabah, State and Federal Government Departments and Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Supporting organisations and the Corporate Sponsors for their continuous support and efforts in ensuring the success of the Sabah International Expo 2008.

Thank you. I look forward to welcoming you to SIE2008 and to Sabah.

Warmest regards

Datuk Wong Khen Thau