KUCHING: Combining the strengths of Thailand and Sarawak in collaborative efforts will result in positive economic developments for both parties, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He lauded the ‘Bridging Trade and Investment Relations between Thailand and East Malaysia (Sarawak) Trade Forum 2019 and Business Matching’ event held at Pullman Hotel yesterday for providing a networking platform to hone bilateral relations between Thailand and Sarawak.
He highlighted the key strengths and potential areas of Sarawak which could be avenues for collaboration with Thailand. He later cited the agriculture sector, which is part of Sarawak’s roadmap towards attaining developed status by 2030.
“In the agriculture sector, we can collaborate with Thailand, which has the experience and technology in food production and digital agriculture using IoT (Internet of Things),” elaborated Abang Johari when officiating at the forum. He noted that Thailand holds a prominent position in the oil and gas (O&G) industry in Sarawak.
“In terms of O&G, we are promoting petrochemical plants. A methanol plant will be built in Sarawak next month,” he said.
Abang Johari also emphasised Sarawak’s efforts with regards to green energy — pointing out its four hydroelectric dams and its shift to hydrogen as an energy source. He believed that the digital economy transformation would aid in transcending boundaries.
“What we need now is technology, and research and development to be undertaken in order to add value to our advantages in terms of resources,” the chief minister emphasised.
He also encouraged market exploration within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). “In November (this year), we are going to host the 25th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Summit in Kuching,” he revealed, inviting Thailand to take part to do business matching.
