Sabah and Italy are exploring stronger cooperation in oil and gas, tourism and higher education, with investment opportunities and support for Visit Sabah Year 2027 among the key priorities.
Sabah is seeking to strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation with Italy, with both sides exploring investment opportunities in oil and gas, tourism and higher education. Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor discussed the potential areas of collaboration with Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella during a courtesy meeting at Menara Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu.
Hajiji welcomed the interest shown by the Italian government and business community in exploring opportunities in Sabah. The state aims to attract international investors to support economic development, expand industrial activity and establish partnerships across key sectors. Italy’s interest could create avenues for businesses from both sides to explore commercial projects and long-term cooperation.
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Langella said Italian companies recognise the potential for investment in Sabah but may require assistance in identifying suitable opportunities. Discussions with the state government focused on how potential investors could be connected with viable projects and areas where Italian expertise could contribute to local development.
Tourism was another important area of discussion as Sabah prepares for Visit Sabah Year 2027. Langella said Italy was interested in helping promote the Malaysian state as a destination for international visitors. Increased promotional activity could strengthen Sabah’s visibility in the Italian market and create opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality businesses and related service providers.
The two sides also identified higher education as a promising area for collaboration. Langella noted that Italian universities were interested in expanding their activities in Southeast Asia, particularly through partnerships with institutions in Sabah. Potential cooperation between universities could support academic exchanges, research collaboration and stronger institutional links.
The meeting was also attended by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Ceasar Mandela Malakun. Both sides expressed hope that the discussions would lead to closer relations and practical outcomes in the coming years.
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The engagement reflects Sabah’s efforts to broaden its international economic partnerships while attracting foreign investment and promoting its tourism sector. For Italy, closer cooperation could provide opportunities to expand business connections in Malaysia and develop academic and commercial links in Southeast Asia. The next stage will depend on identifying specific projects and translating the discussions into investment commitments and sustained partnerships.