KUCHING, Jan 24: Accelerating rural transformation initiatives through various major infrastructure works to spur Sarawak’s economic growth and stimulate demand are among the three-pronged strategies pursued by the Sarawak government.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government would continue to diversify the economy, focusing on modernising agriculture, strengthening infrastructure, advancing tourism, and accelerating human capital development.
He said this includes enhancing the State revenue so that Sarawak could have the fiscal flexibility in managing its financial resources and strategising its development agenda.
“This will enable various projects to be implemented throughout the State expeditiously and at the same time building ample reserves to weather any eventualities. This includes our intention to establish Sarawak’s wealth sovereign funds. Hopefully that will strengthen our financial position for the future.
“These strategies are critical in meeting our objectives to accelerate the development in the State to ensure balanced development between the urban and rural areas,” said Abang Johari in his speech during the Sarawak State Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2021 Presentation Ceremony held at a local hotel today.
Abang Johari said the State will vigorously intensify the implementation of high impact and people-centric projects in line with its development agenda.
According to him, more areas will be opened up for productive economic activities that will provide greater job and business opportunities, which will eventually uplift as well as enhance the well-being of the people, especially the rural community.
He added that implementing the Sarawak Digital Economy initiatives will also continue to leapfrog the State’s economy focuses on precision agriculture, Industry 4.0, tourism, e-commerce, smart city, and digital government.
“While we have introduced many initiatives to spearhead new directions for the economy, the private sector must also be fully engaged in driving the growth of the Sarawak economy,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out the key to realising Sarawak into a developed economy by 2030 is the involvement of Sarawak businesses in investing in projects in the State.
He also assured that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will step up its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and investment among Sarawakians keen to develop and implement their projects.
“In this vein, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in coordinating the relationship between the business community and the State government as we work together to make Sarawak a developed state by 2030,” he said. — DayakDaily
