BY MA CHEE SENG & SHARIFAH NONG JASIMA
KUCHING: The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC) is committed to introducing the Sarawak market to the Commonwealth family through the council, its chairman Lord Jonathan Peter Marland said.
He said this during a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today following a visit to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The visit was a continuation of the investment and trade discussions that began during Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan’s visit to the House of Lords on Dec 12 last year.
“This aims at strengthening economic ties and identifying opportunities for mutual growth and development in key sectors that are in line with the state’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS2030).
“My role involves fostering trade, business, and investment within the Commonwealth family of countries. Over the past decade, we have established a network of 11 offices to facilitate this endeavour. I am pleased to announce that we are now actively pursuing these objectives.
“Our goal is to attract investment to Sarawak and promote the outstanding products and services in the green, energy, technology, and medical sectors to a global audience, ultimately benefiting the local community,” he said.
Moreover, he underscored Sarawak’s attainment of carbon neutrality in its green economy, positioning it as a global leader in addressing climate change. He also touched upon the potential technological advancements that could arise from Sarawak’s green economy, highlighting their export potential and associated benefits.
Lord Marland discussed the critical issues of food and energy security, highlighting the necessity for countries to focus on these concerns, particularly considering recent global events impacting food supply chains.
He also addressed the issue of youth employment, emphasising the significance of offering opportunities to young individuals in a rapidly evolving job market, especially with the advent of technological advancements.
He said there is a need to reinvigorate relationships with Malaysia and expressed excitement about the potential for Sarawak to expand its footprint in the global market.
Meanwhile, he extended his condolences on the passing of former head of state Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, acknowledging the significant impact he had on Sarawak.
