KUCHING: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been inked between Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM) to enhance economic cooperation in order to drive domestic direct investment (DDI) in Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the MoU signing ceremony during the SBF-NCCIM networking dinner at Pullman Hotel on Monday evening (Mar 28).
SBF was represented by its president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, while NCCIM was represented by its president Datuk Low Kian Chuan.
In his speech, Low said that NCCIM strongly advocated DDI, especially the promotion of small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) as the catalyst of economic growth, and be given equal emphasis in terms of policies and investment facilitation.
“Looking ahead, I hope to see more exchanges of visits as well as dialogues between NCCIM and SBF in strengthening our business relations between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, and hence, spurring greater business collaborations,” he said.
He said the NCCIM visit to Sarawak marked a new chapter in strengthening business ties between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to develop innovative ways of cooperation, expand the areas of cooperation and enhance the level of cooperation to achieve more fruitful results.
The NCCIM delegation, led by Low, arrived in Kuching on Mar 28 and will be here until today (Mar 30). It includes 30 delegates from the five constituent chambers of the NCCIM comprising presidents, business leaders, investors, and their representatives.
Meanwhile, Abang Abdul Karim in his welcoming address, said the private sector was the engine of economic growth.
“Even though you have a good beautiful five- or 10-year plan, without the private sector to implement it, it will only remain a plan.
“Therefore, I want to make sure that the private sector comes together and implements the policies laid down by Abang Johari.
On SBF, he said the idea of setting up the federation started more than 15 years ago, but he and his deputy Datuk Philip Ting failed to get it established at that time because all chambers of commerce were working in silos.
“The Chinese Chamber of Commerce then would only talk business among the Chinese community, the Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce which I was one of the pioneer presidents talking about promoting business among the Bumiputera, including the Dayak Chamber of Commerce.
“So, at that time, I think that this should not be the way where Sarawak could not move forward if we think along with that mindset.
“Therefore, it took Datuk Philip and me more than 10 years to persuade the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak to get rid of that mentality of only looking after our own chambers.
“We have to come together, only then the government will listen to us,” he said, while adding that respective chambers need to come forward together.
