By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 12: The Sarawak government welcomes Canada, renowned for its aerospace engineering expertise, to explore opportunities in advancing Sarawak’s aviation industry, particularly in aircraft parts manufacturing and human capital development.
Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin conveyed this when receiving a courtesy visit from a Canadian delegation led by Senior Trade Commissioner Ryan Baerg at the former’s office in Baitulmakmur Building in Petra Jaya here, on Tuesday (June 11).
The delegation included Trade Commissioners Azhar Ali, Yamunah Kandasamy, Noorkhairul Aliza, Nanee Muniandy and Thomas Chan from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
According to a press statement today, the visit followed a Sarawak delegation’s visit to Canada in September last year, during which both parties expressed interest in further collaboration, especially in strengthening the transport sector.
In the meeting yesterday, Baerg expressed keen interest in exploring future planning, collaboration opportunities, potential investments, and joint ventures between Sarawak and Canada.
Lee also provided them with an overview of Sarawak’s transportation industry, highlighting key projects such as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), Sarawak’s new airline, and the proposed development of a new Kuching International Airport.
Emphasising the importance of the aviation sector, Lee underscored opportunities in aircraft parts manufacturing, aerospace engineering, drones and human capital development.
Additionally, Baerg also gave assurance of assistance with Canada’s visa requirements for foreign nationals through their High Commission Office in Kuala Lumpur for any issues faced by government officers or business collaborations with Canada.
Lee anticipated potential partnerships, joint ventures, knowledge exchange and training initiatives to drive the growth and development of Sarawak’s aviation and maritime industries alongside the Canadian counterparts.
Permanent secretary to the Sarawak Transport Ministry Datu Wong Hieng Seng was among those present. — DayakDaily
