JAKARTA, Oct 25: Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to strengthen trade activities, investment and bilateral ties in tourism.
SBF vice-president Datu Abang Halmi Ikhwan signed the MoU on behalf of the federation, while ICCI was represented by its vice-chairman Shinta Widjaya Kamdani.
“The purpose of the MoU is to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations between the two parties and to set for the procedures of the cooperation that can enhance the implementation of reciprocal economic objectives.
“It is also to enable both parties to endeavor to collaborate on mutually agreed activities in the fields of trade and industry, finance, investment, tourism, medical and other fields that will be mutually agreed by the parties,” said a statement issued by the Sarawak delegation yesterday.
The areas of cooperation include the promoting and increase bilateral services, trade and investments between the two countries and also to promote the use of new economic hub for West Kalimantan and Sarawak, in order to mutually benefit the base economies of the two regions and enable economic integration.
The MoU aims to espouse the Entikong-Tebedu Gateway as an entry/exit point for international trade, advocate the establishment of Tebedu-Entikong Cross Border Economic Zone and to embrace and facilitate the use of ports in West Kalimantan and Sarawak as export/import gateways for goods in transit and other commodities.
The collaboration is looking to create more regional direct air connectivity between cities and to enhance passenger flow and tourism, the statement continued.
“The MoU hopes to strengthen their mutual cooperation to enhance and promote bilateral trade and relations between Indonesia and Sarawak to advance the economic growth and development of both countries, specifically at the interior cross border towns and surrounding regions,” it said.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Datuk Abang Openg witnessed the MoU signing held at the Indonesian International Convention and Exhibition Centre here today (Oct 24).
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the Minister for Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Assistant Minister for Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, as well as Deputy State Secretary Datu Abu Bakar Marzuki.
The Sarawak delegation is in Jakarta to attend the five-day Trade Expo Indonesia 2018, which was launched by Indonesian president Joko Widodo, or popularly known as Jokowi, at the convention centre. — DayakDaily
