OKTOBER 2024
STATOB To Enhance Brunei-Sarawak Trade Ties - Premier
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Thurs: The opening of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei (STATOB) represented Sarawak's bold commitment to greater economic cooperation with Brunei Darussalam, Sarawak’s Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg said here, today.
He expressed his firm belief that collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak would yield the highest levels of innovation and prosperity for the mutual benefit of both parties.
“STATOB will serve as a platform where ideas converge, and opportunities emerge for potential collaborations,” he pointed out in his speech during the ceremony for the launch of STATOB.
STATOB is the second Sarawak trade and tourism office set up in neighbouring countries after a similar office was launched in Singapore (STATOS) in August, 2019.
The Premier said that Sarawak had a longstanding relationship and cooperation between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam within the framework of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, or BIMP-EAGA.
“On behalf of the people of Sarawak I would like to humbly extend my deepest appreciation to His Majesty The Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty’s Government for the cordial friendship between Sarawak and Brunei and also for the good bilateral relation that Brunei and Malaysia have built together over the past many years,” he further said.
He told guests at the ceremony that Sarawak was committed to supporting Brunei in achieving a 10 percent renewable energy generation mix by 2035 as outlined in the Paris Agreement in a global effort towards decarbonisation.
“Our experience and abundant resources in renewable energy make us an ideal partner on this journey,” he further told them.
Further in the energy sector, the Premier said Sarawak would enhance power supply by building a 500-megawatt gas turbine power plant in Miri to power Sarawak’s northern region including Limbang/Lawas.
“This RM2 billion (USD 480 million) plant is now under construction and scheduled for completion by 2029,” he added.
He also pointed out that Brunei and Sarawak’s collaboration would extend beyond the energy sector into areas of tremendous potential in commercial agriculture, including paddy cultivation, aquaculture, and cattle and buffalo rearing.
These initiatives not only aimed to enhance self-sufficiency but also open new avenues for cooperation between our regions in the global market, he said.
“With the global halal market expanding and the Middle East as a major consumer, we have a great opportunity to position Sarawak and Brunei as joint leaders in this field. By working together, we can create a strong brand that resonates with Middle Eastern consumers,” he told the guests.
He noted that tourism was another key area where the partnership could flourish, particularly in promoting events showcasing Sarawak and Brunei vibrant cultures and stunning natural attractions, utilizing our airports as international travel hubs.
Noting that efficient road connectivity as an important economic enabler, he said as part of a massive programme to develop its road infrastructure, Sarawak would be investing about RM 6 billion (USD 1.4 bil/BD 1.9 bil) to build a coastal highway to connect Lawas and Limbang that would also ease travel to other parts of Sarawak through Brunei and targeted for completion by 2030.
The Northern region of Sarawak also had tremendous agricultural potential that would be developed as part of Sarawak’s food security agenda particularly rice production in Limbang/Lawas valley that would include livestock development, he said
Ultimately the endeavour centred around STATOB was not just about trade but about people and relationships, he added.
“The opening of STATOB marks the beginning of a new era of cultural exchange, enabling our communities to learn from one another, celebrate our unique heritages, and deepen our ties,” he pointed out.
Earlier, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and State Secretary who is also chairman of STATOB also spoke.
Also present were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Brunei and Sarawak Ministers and foreign envoys in Brunei.