by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 14: Japan is keen on establishing direct flights to Sarawak, a move that could significantly boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two regions, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki says.
According to a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Shikata shared that Japan is exploring the possibility of establishing direct flights between Sarawak and Japan.
He stressed that this direct air link would not only facilitate Japanese tourists to Sarawak, but also provide opportunities for Sarawakians to visit Japan, especially in conjunction with the Osaka Kansai Expo in April.
“We believe that closer ties between Japan and Sarawak will open up many new opportunities, and we hope to realise more concrete cooperation projects in the near future,” he was quoted as saying to reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Aside from that, he said, Japan intends to strengthen this academic relationship with Sarawak to protect the environment and promote joint research.
The Japanese Ambassador and the Premier discussed academic cooperation between Kyoto University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on the conservation of Sarawak’s biodiversity and rainforests.
Shikata further stated that Sarawak is recognised as a major player in the transition to clean energy, attracting Japanese companies to invest in hydrogen and ammonia projects.
“We see great potential in Sarawak’s energy policy, especially in the use of green resources such as hydropower, as well as the development of hydrogen and ammonia.
“Japan is ready to support this initiative,” he said. – DayakDaily
