By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Oct 25: Japan is looking to explore new green investment projects in Sarawak, as well as to strengthen cooperation in the fields of stable energy supply and youth exchange programmes, including student exchanges between the two parties.
According to the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, under the leadership of Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, relations with Sarawak are expected to continue growing and bring mutual benefits.
He also described Sarawak as a highly promising investment destination due to the innovative policies introduced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, which have facilitated the introduction of new technologies.
He said this to reporters following a courtesy call to Abang Johari at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur today in conjunction with the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 programme.
“We (Japan) are working on many green transition projects, including hydrogen initiatives, while continuing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from Bintulu.
“We were discussing what kind of new investment projects could be coming from Japan to Sarawak. So, of course, we need to come up with a closer partnership between the government and the private sector.
“Japanese companies have a number of green technologies that can be applied in Sarawak, so we have been discussing in the broader context of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), but naturally, Sarawak is one of the most important players because of its growing capacity for hydro power.
“But at the same time, we need to come up with new ways of making use of green energy more efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Also present during the courtesy call was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment. — DayakDaily
