By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 26: Sarawak’s total trade for 2021 (provisional figures) expanded 26.85 per cent to RM149.77 billion compared to RM118.08 billion in 2020.
In 2021, total exports in 2021 amounted to RM100.26 billion compared to RM77.20 billion in 2020, while imports reached RM49.52 billion compared to RM40.87 billion in 2020.
“There were increases all round in traded items with Sarawak’s major trading partners such as Japan, China, Peninsular Malaysia, South Korea and India,” disclosed International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan when delivering his winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah who is also the Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB) said following the relaxation of travel restrictions and re-opening of international borders, Mintred has managed to conduct several in-person meetings with serious potential investors on the following proposed projects:
- Metal project from Singapore with proposed investment of USD7.13 billion. The investor has submitted the necessary applications to the Sarawak Industrial Coordination Committee.
- Integrated oil refinery project from China with proposed investment of USD5.2 billion. The investor is now conducting a site suitability study.
- Green energy project from Australia with proposed investment of USD1.2 billion. The investor has conducted further detailed discussions with the relevant authorities.
- Chemical project from South Korea with proposed investment of RM709 million. The investor has submitted the necessary applications.
- Basic metal project from Australia with proposed investment of AUD300 million. The investor visited Sarawak in early May after international borders re-opened to conduct further feasibility studies.
- Component for EV batteries from Hong Kong with proposed investment of USD1.5 billion.
- Biomedical project from USA with proposed investment of RM300 million. The discussion is still preliminary but the investor has indicated strong interest to visit Sarawak soon.
Besides the above, he said, Mintred’s wholly owned subsidiary Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is also partnering with foreign investors on the following proposed projects:
- Hydrogen project with a consortium of companies from South Korea with proposed investment of USD3 billion;
- Hydrogen project with Japanese investors with proposed investment of USD400 million; and
- Surgical glove manufacturing plant with American investor with proposed investment of USD192 million.
“Meanwhile, Shell Sarawak and PTTEP (PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited) of Thailand are negotiating with relevant authorities to commercialise the offshore Sarawak sour gas reserves with proposed investment of USD10 billion,” said Awang Tengah who is also the Deputy Premier of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
