By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 15: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will lead a trade mission comprising heads of government departments and captains of industry to Jakarta and Bandung in Indonesia next week.
Six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) will be signed during the trip, which is held to coincide with the 33rd Trade Expo Indonesia from Oct 23-27.
Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) chairman Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg said the main objectives of the mission were to strengthen mutual cooperation, enhance bilateral trade relations and also to promote economic growth and development between Indonesia and Sarawak, especially at the interior cross-border towns and surrounding regions.
”We would like to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations that can enhance the implementation of reciprocal economic objectives.
“We also want to collaborate on mutually agreed activities such as in the field of trade and industry, finance, investment, tourism and medical services,” he told a press conference at a hotel here today. Also present were Indonesian Consul-General Yoni Tri Prayitno and Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) president Datu Abang Helmi Tan Sri Ikhwan.
The trade mission is jointly organised by SBF, DUBS and the Indonesia Consulate.
Abang Abdul Karim said Sarawak would also like to promote the New Economic Hub between West Kalimantan and Sarawak.
“We also want to espouse the Entikong Tebedu Gateway as an entry/exit point for international trade and also to advocate the establishment of an Entikong Tebedu Cross-Border Economic Zone,” he revealed.
In addition, the state also hoped to secure an understanding with Indonesia on using ports in West Kalimantan and Sarawak as export-import gateways for goods-in-transit, such as for commodities.
Sarawak, he added, also hoped to establish more regional direct air connectivities with Indonesian cities to enhance passenger flow and tourism. — DayakDaily
