GUANGZHOU: The Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) launched its MINTRED Connects programme here yesterday (June 5).
Deputy Premier and MINTRED Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who launched the programme, said it is his ministry’s outreach trade and investment promotion programme aimed at connecting Sarawak entrepreneurs with potential partners and investors worldwide.
He said this is one of the ministry’s efforts to provide more exposure to the small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and connect them with more opportunities internationally, adding that his ministry is also engaging with investors who are keen to explore investment opportunities in Sarawak.
“Trade and Investment between Sarawak and China are important for the economic development for the state. Several investors from China have made Sarawak their operational base such as solar and steel manufacturing, and more are still in discussion.
“China is our important trading partner with total trade between Sarawak and China valued at RM36.73 billion in 2022. This includes Sarawak exports to China valued at RM24.6 billion in 2022 for items including liquefied natural gas, chemicals, minerals and edible oils, and Sarawak imports from China valued at RM11.74 billion for items including chemicals, mineral fuel, lubricants, and miscellaneous manufactured articles,” he said in a statement.
In conjunction with the launch of the programme, Awang Tengah witnessed the signing of one memorandum of agreement (MoA) and five memorandum of understanding (MoUs) between Sarawak companies and their China partners in education, digital application, tourism, food and beverage, as well as trade facilities.
He said the signing of these MoA and MoUs will pave the way for more collaborations between Malaysia, particularly Sarawak and China.
“For the MINTRED Connects programme, 10 Sarawakian companies participated in business matching meetings and promotions of their services and products.
“The ministry plans to conduct the MINTRED Connects programme to other international locations soon,” he added.
Highlighting how trade and investment are important for Sarawak to achieve high income economy status under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Awang Tengah hoped the state could attract more investment and trade that could create economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
