KUCHING, Feb 8: The establishment of the Indonesian Border Import and Export Entrepreneurs Association (Apiepindo) will improve collaboration between Indonesian and Sarawakian businessmen, particularly those from Kuching, Serian, and Tebedu, as well as boost border business activities.
This was stated by Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot, according to a news report published by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Riot emphasised that Apiepindo plays an important role in the Indonesia-Malaysia trade relationship, and that despite its recent establishment, the Association is seen as capable of assisting entrepreneurs from both sides of the country.
He also stated that good relations and cooperation between Indonesian-Malaysian importers and exporters will undoubtedly boost the Tebedu-Indonesia trade sector while also creating more job and business opportunities for local residents.
“Congratulations and well done for successfully establishing Apiepindo, and I understand that Apiepindo is the only association established on the Indonesian border, particularly in Entikong.
“The establishment of Apiepindo is expected to aid in the reduction of border smuggling, which has been difficult to combat,” he said when met by the media after witnessing the signing ceremony of the appointment of Apiepindo leaders for the term 2022-2025, which was held at the Entikong Border Post Multipurpose Hall on Monday (Feb 6).
Riot added that he will ensure that Apiepindo’s collaboration with Sarawak businessmen, particularly those from Kuching, Serian, and Tebedu, is bolstered in order to increase border business activity.
“If we look at the past 10 years, Tebedu Land Port once recorded a trade volume worth RM600 million, of which is Indonesia’s export value and RM400 million in import value.
“After that, the total value of the trade suddenly fell and was compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 until today.
“With the signing of an agreement between the associations at the border today (Feb 6), it is hoped that we will be able to restore the activities of the trade sector at the border later,” he explained. — DayakDaily
