By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak and Brunei have achieved RM3.39 billion in bilateral trade, driven by strong economic cooperation and close people-to-people ties facilitated by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said STATOB, established by the Sarawak government in October 2024, plays a key role in accelerating trade, investment and tourism ties between Sarawak and Brunei, while also bridging social and cultural relationships.
STATOB provides advisory support to traders, investors and tourism players, and is led by officers from both Sarawak and Brunei. It helps Bruneian importers, Sarawakian exporters and investors looking to tap into Brunei’s strategic location in Southeast Asia.
“Through this programme, we hope to strengthen collaboration between agencies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from both sides. SMEs play a crucial role in exploring new markets, whether it is Sarawakian entrepreneurs expanding into Brunei or vice versa, especially in the food and craft sectors.
““With the close relationship and established trade ties, total trade between Sarawak and Brunei has reached RM3.39 billion, involving products such as mineral fuels, animal feed, machinery parts and plastic goods,” he said during the launch of ‘Citarasa dan Tautan Budaya Sarawak–Brunei 2025’ held at Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei today. A copy of Awang Tengah’s speech text was shared to DayakDaily afterwards.
The two-day event, held from Aug 2 to 3, features 38 participating businesses—20 from Sarawak and 18 from Brunei—offering local delicacies, crafts and cultural performances in a celebration of shared heritage.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, further said Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) lays the foundation for future cooperation with Brunei in areas such as green energy and hydrogen, Halal food and agriculture, digital infrastructure, bioeconomy and carbon trading, education and talent development, and research and development.
He also mentioned that Brunei’s strong regulatory system and Sarawak’s rich biodiversity offer more collaboration potential especially in herbal and nutraceutical products.
“We also share a commitment to preserving forest cover and can jointly explore carbon trading.
“With mechanisms like the Brunei Darussalam–Sarawak Joint Committee at ministerial the level, supported by Joint Working Group at senior officials’ level, we are well-positioned to resolve issues and move collaboration forward. Together, we can build a green, digital and halal economy for future generations,” he added.
To expand its regional presence, Sarawak is also planning to open new trade and tourism offices in Pontianak (Indonesia) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). – DayakDaily
