By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 16: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has highlighted the potential of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZ) at key gateways, particularly at Tebedu-Entikong, to boost cross-border trade, unlock resource development, and integrate supply chains for the shared benefit of Sarawak and Kalimantan.
Speaking at the 6th Chief Ministers, Governors, and Local Government Forum (CMLGF) chaired by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Awang Tengah called on the Asian Development Bank, ASEAN Secretariat, and BIMP-EAGA partners to develop concrete plans for the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to stimulate regional growth, with a particular focus on the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.
According to a press release, he also emphasised the need for active private sector participation, supported by clear government strategies, attractive incentives, and transparent processes, as crucial factors in driving regional development and achieving shared goals.
Awang Tengah’s participation in the forum underscores Sarawak’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and economic integration in the BIMP-EAGA region as it marks 30 years of collaboration.
The 6th CMLGF was held alongside the 27th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting 2024 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah today.
Awang Tengah is also set to attend the 27th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting chaired by Malaysia Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli.
The forum functions as a platform that unites leaders from Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, along with provincial leaders from the BIMP-EAGA region, encompassing Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam.
In highlighting 30 years of cooperation within the BIMP-EAGA framework, Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment (Mintred), underscored the significance of collaboration among BIMP-EAGA member countries.
He stressed the need to leverage each region’s distinct strengths to achieve shared socio-economic benefits, while boosting trade and investment opportunities across the region.
The forum also brought together prominent regional leaders. Among them were Sharinah Awang Suhaimi, Acting Chairman of Bandar Seri Begawan Municipality; Dr Ir Mohammad Rudy Salahuddin, Acting Governor of Gorontalo Province; and Rodrigo Giducos, Director of Investment Promotions and Public Affairs Office, Mindanao Development Authority, Philippines. — DayakDaily
