By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 19: Sarawak is seeking to draw valuable lessons from the successful transformation of Hungary’s Győr into a competitive regional economic hub, as part of efforts to strengthen development planning for Limbang and Lawas as future border growth centres in northern Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the official visit to the Municipality of the City of Győr was intended to understand how the city has capitalised on its strategic location, strong industrial base and regional connectivity to drive sustainable economic growth while maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Municipality of the City of Győr on Thursday (June 18), he said Győr’s experience is particularly relevant to Sarawak as the State continues to develop its northern region, especially Limbang and Lawas, which are strategically positioned near Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“We are particularly interested in how Győr has developed as a border-town economy, especially in industrial growth, urban development, mobility, workforce development and regional connectivity.
“The city shows how strategic location, transport links, a skilled workforce and a strong investment ecosystem can enhance economic competitiveness while maintaining a liveable urban environment,” he said in a statement today.
He noted that Győr is a strong example of how a border city can evolve into a major centre for industry, logistics, education and services, while leveraging its proximity to key European markets.
Awang Tengah said Sarawak is keen to understand how Győr manages industrial expansion, urban growth, workforce readiness, mobility systems and regional connectivity in a balanced and coordinated manner to sustain long-term competitiveness.
He added that a key area of interest is how the city balances economic development with urban liveability through quality housing, efficient transport networks, public amenities, environmental management and social infrastructure.
“The expected outcome from this visit is to identify practical lessons that can inform the Limbang Lawas Local Plan 2030, particularly in border-town planning, economic positioning, land-use strategy, connectivity, logistics, tourism development, public facilities, urban design and cross-border coordination,” he said.
He added that these insights would be valuable in shaping future development strategies for Limbang and Lawas, ensuring that economic progress translates into meaningful improvements in the quality of life for local communities.
Awang Tengah said the knowledge gained from the visit is expected to help position Limbang and Lawas as competitive, liveable and well-connected border growth centres, while strengthening regional integration and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of northern Sarawak. — DayakDaily
