KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the International CEOs Conference 2008 to be held here next week will yet again put Sabah in the international spotlight so as to attract more investments, especially in the manufacturing, tourism and agriculture sectors.

“This is indeed in line with the economic objectives under the State Development Agenda and the Sabah Development Corridor which was launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi early this year,” he said when chairing the meeting here yesterday.

The International CEOs Conference will be held from June 15 to 17 and among the objectives are to provide intellectually stimulating, constructive and healthy exchange of views among the role-players and delegates; make available opportunities for companies to broaden their contact bases and networks with industry leaders and delegates, and to give update on the business and investment opportunities available as well as the policies formulated.

Musa said Abdullah had consented to be the guest of honour at the closing ceremony on June 17, while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony on June 16.

Realising the magnitude of these events, Yayasan Sabah Group has appointed once again the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) as the Event Manager for ICC2008.

The chief minister said more than 500 delegates had confirmed their attendance, coming from countries like USA, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, The Netherlands, Ireland, Dubai (UAE), Kuwait, Syria, Japan, India, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei.

“It pleases me to note that the number of confirmed participants is more than that of ICC2005. I also note that 12 foreign dignitaries comprising ambassadors and high commissioners will grace this conference,” said Musa.

He said the essence of this conference is concisely reflected in its theme ‘Managing Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness In the Globalised Era’.

This theme has been chosen as it is considered the most prevailing issue in the light of the present economic and social environments of this region.

“Hence we have strategically designed the Conference to cover topics that are pertinent to the world today. On top of that, we are bringing in experts and leading players to discuss significant global issues such as climate change and global warning.

“In a nutshell, environmental problems will become one of the most difficult issues faced by mankind, because if unresolved, it could directly threaten the future existence of the human race,” said Musa.

He said another subject of great significance and one of the most notable realities today was the rise of Asian Giants – China and India.

“The rise of such large economies within a short time span is unprecedented and this undoubtedly will present both opportunities as well as challenges for Asia and the world.

“I truly believe that sustainability, especially in a world characterised by rapid unpredictable change cannot be overstated.

“As such, we hope this Conference will provide all of us with the ideal platform to analyse and comprehend key issues as well as find practical and achievable solutions to some of the more pressing problems that require timely attention,” Musa added.