KUCHING, MAY 26: Sarawak is pursuing to establish its Trade and Tourism office in Pontianak as Indonesia moves it capital city to Kalimantan.
This is part of the state’s initiative to revive cross border trade with Indonesia, particularly West Kalimantan.
“This will be our main priority.
“We need to develop our resources in complementing with Indonesia on a win-win situation,” said Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
To strengthen Sarawak’s position as ASEAN’s powerhouse and to continue to contribute to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, Johari said Sarawak will continue to supply its surplus of electricity especially through hydropower and hydrogen.
In terms of cross-border accessibility, more border exit and entry points will be established via road access and integrated Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) facilities.
“There are plans to upgrade strategic exit and entry points in the Northern and Central regions of Sarawak into international gateways to facilitate better movement of people and enhance our border trade.
“Nevertheless, border security must be our utmost priority. Therefore, we are working closely with Federal Government to strengthen our border control,” added the minister.
Sarawak will also strengthen economic collaboration with Brunei Darussalam through various sectors including telecommunication, energy, trade, tourism and agriculture.
“With the establishment of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Bandar Seri Begawan soon, we should be able to move forward in a more efficient manner to capture the economic opportunities and take advantage of the Brunei’s strategic connectivity and accessibility to other parts of the world,” said Johari.
