KUCHING, Sept 28: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Chinese in Sarawak have contributed significantly to the State’s economic and trade growth.
“In Sarawak, the Chinese make up almost 600,000 of our population. They are known for being hard working, industrious business people and become very successful especially in trade and business.
“Over the many decades, they have contributed largely to Sarawak’s economic and trade growth. Besides, they are very friendly people,” said Abang Johari at the Mid Autumn Festival dinner organised by Kuching China Trades Importers and Exporters Association and the China Consulate General, here, yesterday evening.
The dinner gathering was also held to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Malaysia and China cum the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching.
Abang Johari encouraged those present to make good use of Sarawak’s trade office in Singapore, which has been set up to facilitate the state’s trade dealings and expansion, as well as to market local products overseas to further tap the potential in global market.
“I hope members of this association do explore formalities in which they can cooperate in expanding their markets via our trade office in Singapore and in other fields.
“Similarly, I believe there is plenty of room for further cooperation with China in many other aspects of trade, commerce, especially tourism in respect to direct international flight from Sarawak.
“The state government looks forward to tap further on such cooperation by exploring ways to achieve breakthroughs and also how to further disseminate more information via our state tourism industry to further promote Sarawak in the field of tourism.
“Other areas where Sarawak look forward to develop are in the field of digital economy, e-commerce, information technology and high ends industrial technology development. This will assist in transfer of technology across country,” said Abang Johari on Sarawak’s economic direction.
On the good bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China, the chief minister said Sarawak has gained some shared achievements with China in many aspects due to bilateral cooperation and trade development in the past.
“This trend of cooperation is not only on going but more importantly the trade volume is increasing,” said Abang Johari.
His text-of-speech was read by Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan. — DayakDaily
