KUCHING: The Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) plays a pivotal role in coordinating the relationships between the business community and the state government, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“While the state government has introduced many initiatives to spearhead new directions for the economy, the private sector must also be fully engaged in driving the growth of the Sarawak economy,” he said.
Abang Johari’s speech text was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during SCCI’s 68th annual dinner recently at the Imperial Hotel here.
“The key to realising Sarawak as a developed economy by 2030 is the involvement of Sarawak businesses in investing in projects in Sarawak,” stated the chief minister.
He said that the state government would step up its efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and investment among Sarawakians who were keen to develop and implement their projects.
Abang Johari pointed out that while the state government was committed to setting up a world-class ICT infrastructure, a vibrant digital economy required active participation of the local business community by utilising the infrastructure to add value to their businesses.
“Indeed, politicians and government servants can at best provide the direction and framework for the economy, but it is the private sector that must do all the hard work of getting things moving,” he said.
He also said that at the heart of the digital economy was the creation of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that supported entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“The state government maintains its commitment towards creating an ideal climate for investment through business-friendly policies and initiatives to shore-up the confidence of local and foreign investors,” Abang Johari stated.
During the celebration, the second edition of the Sarawak Entrepreneur of the Year (EOYS) book was unveiled — a book project that documented the entrepreneurial journey of past award recipients from 2004 to 2018.
The book aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, to spark new ideas for those seeking opportunities, and to provide encouragement for those struggling to overcome adversities.
SCCI’s new website was also launched.
Also present were International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, SCCI president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and SCCI deputy president Datuk Philip Ting.
