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TOKYO, Aug 3: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is excited about the potential collaboration with Japan to boost Sarawak’s port operations.
Uggah, who is Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Minister paid a courtesy call on Inada Masher, the Director-General for Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Tourism (MLIT) at the said ministry’s head office in Japan on Aug 2.
Also present was Director for International Policy of International Policy Planning Office at Ports and Harbors Bureau, Maeda Kei.
“We explored various avenues of enhancing ports, focusing on reducing transportation costs, implementing new technologies to address manpower challenges, and improving overall port management efficiency.
“Japan’s extensive experience and success in port management offer invaluable lessons for us.
“We are excited about the potential collaboration with MLIT to bolster Sarawak’s port operations, making them more efficient and competitive in the near future,” said Uggah in a statement.
He said Japan’s commitment to progressive improvements, sustainable consumption, and production aligns well with Sarawak’s shared interest in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The discussions, he said, also centered on improving port efficiency as a key component of promoting global efficiency.
During the call, Inada shared valuable insights on Japan’s port history and current policy direction.
He disclosed Japan has over 1,000 ports, of which 10 are classified as International Bulk Strategic Ports, two as International Container Hubs and 100 others are major ports.
The rest which are small ports managed by the respective prefectures, primarily deal with fisheries and smaller cargo operations.
Uggah who is on an official visit to Japan, is joined by his two deputy minister Dato Majang Renggi and Aidel Lariwoo.
Also in the Sarawak delegation are State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, MIPD Permanent Secretary Chiew Chee Yau , Director of Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Lester Matthew, Coordinator for Samalaju Port Authority Chin Hui Seng and Uggah’s Special Administrative officer Davin Marcus Raja.
Yesterday’s courtesy call on MLIT was followed by a visit to one of the 10 International Bulk Strategic Ports in Onahama.
Today, the Sarawakian delegation will be visiting one of two strategic International Container Hubs in Yokohama. — DayakDaily
