The Sabah government has sought assistance from China to find the best investors to help develop major infrastructure in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal brought up the matter of developing Sabah's infrastructure with China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology Miao Wei during the latter's two-day visit here Thursday (June 13).

He said the state government is promoting the development of Sabah's ports and railway system, as well as the construction of the proposed Papar Dam to generate electricity.

"This is one area where we request your help to identify well-known and capable investors. I know we have many investors (from China) but we have to do our due diligence to find out whether they operate in these areas of interest.

"We hope you can help guide us if there are people who can do a better job," said Shafie at the state administrative building (PPNS) in Likas Thursday.

In response to Shafie's request, Minister Miao said he will raise the issue of Sabah's railway and infrastructure development with the relevant departments and agencies in China upon returning from his trip.

He added that the roundtable meeting between Malaysia and China scheduled to be held at Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel on Friday (June 14) will bring lots of good opportunities and investments to Sabah.

Also present during the visit at PPNS was federal International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking, who had invited Minister Miao to Sabah during his visit to Beijing in April this year.

"The extremely strategic position of Sabah to China enables the economic powerhouse to bring many investment opportunities to Sabah and through it, many new jobs will be created for local residents.

"The objective is to create a win-win situation for both sides," he said, adding that his ministry will work closely with the state government to facilitate any potential investments and direct trade between Sabah and China.