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TAWI-TAWI, an island province, is seeking to make Sabah a business partner in order to boost its economy.

“We envy you and we wish to learn from you. We want your partnership and involvement in making Tawi-tawi like Sandakan or Tawau or even Kota Kinabalu,” said Gov. Nurbert Sahali in a statement.

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Sahali said his recent trip to Sabah, with which Tawi-tawi shares sea borders, showed the province’s willingness and sincerity in wanting to seriously engage with the state government.

He expressed hope that with the support of the respective governments and facilitation of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-EAGA) mechanism the business sector would take the initiative.

“We will do our part in ensuring our compliance with the legal and institutional requirements. We will (also) ensure the security and safety of Sabah businessmen doing business in Tawi-tawi,” he said.

Sahali proposed that open lines of official communication be established between the Sabah Chief Minister’s Department and the Office of the Provincial Governor of Tawi-tawi, with focal persons assigned to maintain communication.

“I also wish to propose for the identification of business organizations or companies — those with the interest, capability and determination — whom we will recognize, protect and support in trade and commerce between Sabah and Tawi-tawi,” he said.

Sahali said separate venues or activities should be set up to address specific issues such as illegal immigrants, cross-border criminality and security.

The governor also extended an invitation to Sabah’s business chambers to the first Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao International Business Conference in Bongao, Tawi-tawi on June 17-18. PNA/BERNAMA

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