Awg Tengah: S’wak-Brunei trade records 23.8 pct growth in 2023, marks significant strides in economic cooperation

KUCHING (Oct 3): Sarawak recorded a 23.8-per cent increase in total trade amounting to RM3.76 billion with Brunei Darussalam last year, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment said this marked significant strides in economic cooperation between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, seeing remarkable growth over the years.

“Additionally, Sarawak welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors from Brunei last year, the highest number ever recorded,” he said at the launch of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (Statob) in Brunei Darussalam today.

The launch was graced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to Awang Tengah, Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam can further enhance their tourism industry through joint promotions and by co-organising business events and sports initiatives.

He expressed confidence that Statob would be able to play a crucial role in enhancing and deepening the strategic economic partnership between the state and Brunei Darussalam.

He said under the leadership of Abang Johari, Sarawak is intensifying infrastructure development that integrates with Brunei Darussalam’s road network, particularly the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH).

“This vital route connects to the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road and ultimately leads to Ibu Kota Nusantara, Indonesia.

“By integrating our road network, ensuring access to international airports and seaports, and enhancing power and telecommunications connections, Brunei and Sarawak can collaborate effectively, leveraging our competitive advantages to further enhance trade and investment,” he said.

Awang Tengah also envisioned the bilateral cooperation in energy, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, trade and investment between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam gaining momentum.

He said entrepreneurs especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would greatly benefit from these initiatives to promote their products and services in broader markets including Borneo and the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region, supported by their strategic location and international port and airport as gateways.

“Statob represents a significant step toward realising this vision, providing a platform to strengthen our economic ties, promote sustainable development and drive collaborative growth not only to major sectors but also the SMEs.

“Additionally, it will enhance the promotion of culture and heritage, bringing valuable benefits to our regions,” he said.