KUCHIHG, Nov 21: Sarawak, with its strategic geographic location and political stability, is an attractive investment destination in the ASEAN region.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has much to offer and can also play an important role as a key hub for regional cooperation and economic integration.
“While other parts of the world are facing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crisis, our nation as well as Sarawak has been able to maintain peace and harmony. This stability has been our linchpin over the years in developing the state,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Kuching today.
Abang Johari remarked that the forum’s theme of ‘Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges’ is very timely and well aligned to the state’s aspiration to transform its economy capitalising on digital technology.
He was confident that the disruptive change brought by the digital economy will generate new jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs and turn Sarawak into a developed and high income state by 2030.
The Chief Minister also expressed his delight to see many country leaders, leading industry players and innovators, investors, academicians and professionals from all around the world congregate here for this auspicious event, and hoped they could identify opportunities and solutions as well as forge collaborations that are beneficial to all.
“Sarawak is endowed with vast natural resources, agricultural land, fisheries and mineral resources. In addition, we have modern and reliable infrastructure and utilities with an efficient and business-friendly government,” he said.
“We also have a young, productive, diligent and English speaking trainable workforce. Sarawak’s labour force can provide educated, skilled, semi-skilled, and young workers to meet the needs of a high-technology business environment.”
In addition, he stressed that Sarawak has safe, clean and pleasant working and living conditions where visitors from abroad will find it easy to blend in with the local community and adapt to the culture.
Meanwhile, he emphasised on the state’s efforts in accelerating economic growth such as setting up of the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), establishing its own petroleum company called Petroleum Sarawak (PETROS) and forming the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA). — DayakDaily
