KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo International Garden Expo Sarawak (BIGEXS) 2023 has the potential to be another unique tourism product for Sarawak in the next five years.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expo can become a new tourist attraction event, akin to the significant homegrown event, the Rainforest World Music Festival.
“By hosting this expo, Sarawak can benefit economically from repetitive visitors’ impact.
“The event also has considerable indirect economic impact, such as the creation of new job opportunities and the development of a new workforce with specialised skills for this segment.
“These developments will have a positive impact on the future of the agriculture sector subcategory, including the outdoor furniture industry,” he said.
This was said at the opening ceremony of the expo held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
This event’s contribution, Abdul Karim said, is also in line with Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to develop and enhance six economic sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and forestry sectors.
“The PCDS plan prioritises Environmental Sustainabilityas one of its seven key strategic thrusts. It is our belief that BIGEXS 2023 will inspire individuals to act towards preserving our planet’s natural heritage and promoting sustainability,” he said.
BIGEXS 2023, he stressed, is expected to drive not only short-term economic growth but also medium to long-term development by bridging the gap between rural horticulturists and other developed countries, to increase yields and improve livelihoods.
“This development may potentially create a new tourism attraction and homestay businesses in rural areas, a trend that has already gained traction in Thailand and Taiwan,” he said.
Horticulture, he said, in a nutshell plays a significant role in enhancing local communities, promoting social welfare, and generating economic benefits by creating job opportunities and tourism dollars, supporting environmental sustainability, facilitating social interaction and community bonding, and providing aesthetic and recreational benefits.
“As such, BIGEXS 2023 reflects our vision of creating a sustainable future by conserving and protecting our natural resources, while enriching our lives with the beauty and diversity of nature,” said Abdul Karim.
