KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to explore collaboration with the Asean-China Centre (ACC) to develop the tourism industry.
This matter was brought up during a meeting between the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and representatives from ACC, Li Yaying and Yan Han at the Malaysian Embassy office in Beijing, China on Monday (Sept 4).
The meeting also focussed on skill and capacity building that would benefit both parties.
Also present at the meeting was Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Meanwhile, on the China International Fair Trade in Service (CIFTIS) 2023, Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s participation in the fair demonstrates the state’s commitment to expanding its business network, attracting investors and ultimately enhancing its international market presence.
He is confident that being part of such a significant event will bring long-term benefits to Sarawak’s economic growth and solidify its position as a prime tourist destination.
Abdul Karim also highlighted several pivotal initiatives that help maintain Sarawak as a prominent international tourist destination.
“It involves a holistic approach that introduces a unique blend of culture, adventure, natural beauty, cuisine, and festivals (CANFF) that allows tourists to experience the full spectrum of Sarawak.
“In addition, the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home Programme (S-MM2H) attracted foreign investors and residents to live and invest in Sarawak, further contributing to economic growth and tourism.
“At the same time, the recognition of Gunung Mulu National Park as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) is also a great achievement and shows the natural beauty of Sarawak in addition to the title of Kuching City as the ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’.
“Not only that, the iconic annual music festival in Sarawak which is the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) which gathers a line-up of international musicians to celebrate the diversity of world music in Kuching also contributes to Sarawak’s tourism industry,” he was quoted as saying by the media at Sarawak Pavilion @ CIFTIS 2023 held at the China National Convention Centre.
He emphasised that all these initiatives help boost Sarawak’s international visibility and indirectly open new opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange with China and other countries.
