KUCHING: Sarawak’s partnership with China is crucial in the development of new economic areas said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said this includes fields such as digital economy, renewable energy, smart cities and technological innovations which are cornerstones to Sarawak becoming a developed and high-income region driven by data and innovation by 2030.
Awang Tengah highlighted the success of past collaborations with China in areas such as hydropower development, Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), agriculture, energy storage, education, and health.
“Our economic ties between China are driven by strong trade, investment and collaborative projects across sectors. China is one of the Sarawak’s key trading
partners.
“In 2023, Sarawak’s exports to China such as liquefied natural gas, edible oils and basic metal was worth RM18.8 billion while imports such as machinery, manufactured goods and consumer products amounted to RM9.9 billion.
“In fact, the economic collaboration between China and Sarawak continues to grow with China’s involvement in hydropower development, namely Bakun, Murum and Baleh to support our goal to be an ASEAN powerhouse,” he said.
He said this in his speech representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Malaysia-China Summit 2024: Networking Engagement Series Sarawak programme at a leading hotel here yesterday (May 23).
Awang Tengah, who is also International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister also highlighted the significant impact of Chinese investment on the region’s economic growth and development.
He said these investments have enhanced industrial capabilities while fostering sustainable development and innovation.
“To date, China has invested more than RM19.4 billion, primarily in solar, steel, and wood-based manufacturing projects in Sarawak. These investments have created more than 10,000 jobs for the local population and generated spin-offs for the local economy,” he added.
He also added that partnership with China extends beyond economic collaboration, as cultural and educational exchanges between both regions have enriched societies and fostered greater friendship and mutual understanding.
Therefore, he urged the public and private sectors in Sarawak to leverage this diplomatic tie to foster economic synergy and shape future collaboration and economic development.
“I believe our partnership with China will be able to meet evolving opportunities and challenges. We look forward to further exploring new frontiers and expanding our strategic collaborations to ensure our relationship remains dynamic and mutually beneficial,” said Awang Tengah.
Also present were Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen, Malaysia External Trade Development Centre (MATRADE) board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah, and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping.
