SINGAPORE: Sarawak entrepreneurs here were urged to meet Singapore’s expectations in terms of volume and standard, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abangi Johari Tun Openg. He was addressing a few hundred Sarawakian entrepreneurs during an unscheduled pep talk at the back of Sarawak-Singapore Business Forum and Expo 2019 held at Suntec Convention Centre here last Friday.
Abang Johari wants Sarawak’s production of exported goods to Singapore to be in large enough volumes to be economically viable as the state government enhances ties with the Lion City.
“What I fear is that we are not able to produce the volumes that they need,” he said as Singapore demands volume which posed a welcomed challenge to Sarawak, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“ You must be passionate about fulfilling the needs of Singapore’s market as I and my cabinet colleagues are passionate about exploring markets and develop business ties with Singapore,” the chief minister said. Abang Johari also pointed out the newly enhanced relationship should present opportunities for Sarawak to be more aggressive in the production of goods, food items in particular.
Statistics show that Singapore c o n t r i b u t e d a b o u t 2 % o f Sarawak’s total trade amounting to US$35.6 billion in 2018. State officials said last Friday’s event saw deals being closed for orders worth RM10 million for the export of mainly fruits and furniture to Singapore.
The one-day programme was held in conjunction with the official opening of the Sarawak T ra d e a n d To u r i s m O f f i c e (Statos) at Robinson Road in the heart of Singapore’s business district.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister and Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Acting State Secretary Datuk Jaul Samion and the Malaysian H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r t o Singapore Datuk Zainol Rahim Zainuddin.