KUCHING, Nov 19: Businesses from Western Australia and Sarawak were urged to collaborate and tap into key economic sectors and investment opportunities for the benefit of both sides.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that both sides should work closely and look at the potential areas to be explored in both regions.
“Among the potential areas of collaboration include in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, hydrogen technology, water industry and aged care sector,” he added.
Awang Tengah highlighted this in his speech on behalf of the state government when addressing the launching of the Sarawak-Western Australia Market Research Report via video conferencing yesterday (Nov 18).
The aim of the Sarawak-WA Market Research Report, Awang Tengah elaborated, was to provide a comprehensive market insight of the potential market and investment opportunities in Sarawak and Western Australia.
“The market research report also serves as a platform and guidance for companies and organisations in Western Australia to prepare for the upcoming business visits to Sarawak once the restrictions for businesses to travel overseas is lifted,” he said.
The planned visit to Sarawak that was earlier planned in March 2020 had to be postponed due to the international border closure implemented by both Malaysia and Australia.
To date, 10 companies and organisations, as well as officials from the Western Australia state government, have registered their interest to participate in the Western Australia business mission to Sarawak.
“It is anticipated that more companies in Western Australia will come forward and express their interests to explore the potential opportunities made available in Sarawak,” he added.
Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) Western Australia office director-general Richard Sellers said he was impressed by the commitment demonstrated by Awang Tengah who has personally delivered his valuable speech on behalf of the state government.
He also expressed his appreciation for the deep interest and enthusiasm of the Sarawak government in encouraging businesses and investors of Western Australia to Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the Report was developed by Australia Malaysia Business Chamber in Western Australia (AMBCWA) with the support from the JTSI Western Australia office, Consulate General of Malaysia in Perth, Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Squire Patton Boggs as AMBCWA’s corporate partner.
The preparation of the Report is built-up from the visit by the Sarawak government led by the Deputy State Secretary and the State Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) who represented the Sarawak government along with representatives from its business sector during the Malaysia Business Forum held in Perth on Oct 31, 2019.
The launching of the Report saw the participation of professionals, local businessmen, Asian Business Councils based in Perth presidents as well as Western Australia state government officials and key agencies namely JTSI director-general Richard Sellers, Perth USAsia Centre chief executive officer (CEO) Professor Gordon Flake, International Trade and Investment head Michael Carter, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, Consulate General of Malaysia in Perth and AMBCWA president, among others. – DayakDaily
