By Christopher Lidom and Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 17: The Borneo International Garden Expo Sarawak (BIGEXS) 2023 is expected to offer yet another unique tourism product for Sarawak over the next five years.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry sees this expo as potentially becoming a new tourist attraction event, akin to Sarawak’s significant homegrown event, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
“By hosting this expo, Sarawak can benefit economically from repetitive visitors,” said Abdul Karim in his speech during the inaugural BIGEXS event held at Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) today.
According to Karim, the event is also expected to have a considerable indirect economic impact, such as the creation of new job opportunities and the development of a new workforce with specialised skills for the segment.
He said these developments will have a positive impact on the future of the agriculture sector subcategory, including the outdoor furniture industry.
“This event’s contribution is in line with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to develop and enhance six economic sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and forestry sectors,” he added.
Organised by the BCCK and Orchidwoods Company, BIGEXS 2023 is held from March 17 to 19 at BCCK as the first-ever international garden expo in Sarawak, showcasing exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and China.
The event highlights the diverse flora and fauna of Sarawak, promoting sustainable gardening practices, conservation efforts of rare flora and fauna, and celebrating the richness of nature in the region.
BIGEXS 2023 will host a variety of activities, talks, and seminars by horticulture experts to share their knowledge and best practices. — DayakDaily
