By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 18: Trade volume between Sarawak and China in 2021 increased to RM27.045 billion, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Citing statistics from the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), he revealed export volume from Sarawak to China in 2021 amounted to RM18.633 billion.
“That is our export (volume), which is mainly based on our commodities including LNG (liquefied natural gas) oil minerals.
“As for our import (volume), not a lot, only RM8.4 billion. That is probably because China has a big population, so big export (to China), and Sarawak has a small population, so small imports.
“But we have the resources, and I’m sure our Special Envoy to China Dato Sri Tiong King Sing will continue to promote Sarawak to China,” said Abang Johari during the Kuching China Trades Importers & Exporters Association (KCTIEA) 48th anniversary dinner at a restaurant here tonight.
The dinner themed “Together We Create Brilliance” was held to commemorate the 48th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations as well as celebrate the mid-autumn festival.
Abang Johari also disclosed bilateral trade between China and Malaysia has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth, of which Sarawak also accounted for a sizeable proportion.
He said many infrastructure projects in Sarawak, including the Batang Lupar bridge project, were undertaken together with Chinese companies from China.
“I sincerely hope that the growth of bilateral trade between our country and China will continue to grow and become one of the main driving forces for Sarawak go become a developed State by 2030,” he said.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian’s representative and also Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to China Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, His Excellency Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Xing Wei Ping, KCTIEA president Datuk Yii Ming Tang, and dinner organising chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok. — DayakDaily
