KUCHING, May 30: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) recently embarked on a productive four-day trip to West Kalimantan with the aim of strengthening relationships and exploring potential collaborations with their Indonesian counterparts.
According to a media release, this collaborative effort was intended to foster economic growth in both regions following the relocation of Indonesia’s capital Nusantara to Kalimantan.
The delegation led by president Dato Tan Jit Kee, comprised members such as vice president Kuek Eng Mong, secretary-general Dato Jonathan Chai, deputy treasurer Ho Siew Hua and its Digital Economy chairman Rodger Chan.
The visit received full support from the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching.
During the trip, the delegation paid courtesy visits to various government departments and chambers of commerce in West Kalimantan including Pontianak, Singkawang and Sambas.
The delegation was accompanied throughout the trip by Consul General of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Consul of Economy Theodorus Nugroho, and Consul Administration Officer Alexandri Legawa.
In Pontianak, the ACCCIS delegation paid a courtesy call to Governor of West Kalimantan Province H Sutarmidji. The meeting was attended b Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak Azizul Zekri and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry West Kalimantan Chapter chairman A. Rizqi Darsono.
The discussions encompassed various topics, including infrastructure development in Pontianak, particularly the road from Entikong to Pontianak, which required the attention of Indonesian authorities to facilitate cros-border movement of goods and services.
Other topics raised included the opening of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) in Entikong and Tebedu as well as the resumption of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak.
Thereafter, they proceeded to visit the West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where they were warmly received by the chairman Santyoso Tio and its committees. The discussions revolved around identifying potential areas for collaboration and exchanging views on economic and trade matters, with particular focus on the sectors of agriculture, tourism and logistics.
Additionally, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak Azizul Zekri to facilitate the exchange of business information and explore potential opportunities in West Kalimantan.
During their trip, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Kijing Deep Sea Port in Mempawah, gaining valuable insights into the region’s maritime infrastructure.
In Singkawang, they met with Mayor Sumastro, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the Singkawang Development Masterplan. The plan encompassed crucial aspects such as food security, urban planning, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Finally, in Sambas, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Bupati Sambas Satono. They were given a briefing on local infrastructure, future development plans, and feasible collaborative projects in the region.
As part of their efforts to strengthen ties, ACCCIS extended an invitation to their Indonesian counterparts to attend several upcoming events, including Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KCGCCI) 133rd anniversary celebration dinner and Young Entrepreneurs Committee 10th anniversary, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) 77th annual general meeting, and ACCCIM’s 12th Young Entrepreneurs Conference. — DayakDaily
