By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 7: Private companies must drive Borneo’s economic growth by bringing in capital, technology and investment that governments alone cannot provide, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the 2nd Borneo Economic Forum here today, he said governments should focus on providing infrastructure, policy certainty and a fair playing field, while the private sector drives growth.
“But the private sector is the engine of growth. It is you who create jobs, it is you who bring the capital and technology, it is you who build the factories, farms, and data centres, and the risk that no government can take,” he said.
Abang Johari also urged businesses to look beyond their individual markets and explore opportunities across Borneo.
“For private sector, I encourage you to look beyond your own backyard to the wider Borneo market, where working together can help complement our capabilities, enhance supply chains, and create new investment opportunities,” he said.
He said this approach would allow businesses to combine their respective strengths while opening up new opportunities for investment and stronger supply chains across the region.
Abang Johari said the private sector’s role would be particularly important as Borneo seeks to move towards higher-value economic activities and greater participation in regional value chains.
He said governments could provide the infrastructure and policy environment, but businesses would need to bring the capital, technology and commercial risk needed to turn those opportunities into actual investments. — DayakDaily
