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Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership

Borneo Post

time02-07-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership

Awang Tengah (seated centre) in a group photo with guests and participants during the event. Also seen are Mussen (seated third right), Reezal (seated third left) and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government is actively pursuing value-added growth and is no longer focusing solely on raw commodity exports, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state is now laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports as part of a long-term strategy to build a more resilient and innovation-driven economy. 'We are investing in the future, which is in renewable energy, semiconductors and high-value sectors that will position Sarawak as a major economic force in the region. 'Our focus has thus shifted because we want to go beyond exporting crude oil, gas and palm oil,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. He added that Sarawak is poised to lead the country in green energy development, with active initiatives in hydropower, solar, biomass and hydrogen production. To support this ambition, Awang Tengah said the state has amended its Electricity Ordinance to allow greater investor participation in boosting generation capacity. 'We have set a clear target in which by 2030, we aim to generate at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and by 2035, 15,000 megawatts which will all be from clean and renewable sources,' he said. Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sarawak will be developed into a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace economic activities, reflecting the state's shift towards high-technology industries and global competitiveness. These sectors, he said, offer enormous potential, and Sarawak wants its local players to seize the opportunities and grow alongside global industry leaders. Commenting on investments, he said the state government's message is clear: investment is the cornerstone of Sarawak's future, not only to boost exports and gross domestic product but also to transform the economic landscape, drive technological advancement, and ensure inclusive prosperity for Sarawakians. 'Since 2021, Sarawak has approved over RM102 billion in investments involving 1,180 projects. These projects are expected to create nearly 23,000 job opportunities and open doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in supporting industries,' he said. To further boost global engagement, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is expanding its international trade network, adding that in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Brunei, a new trade office will soon open in Pontianak, Indonesia. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak and Matrade. Awang Tengah export lead sarawak value-added growth

Sarawak posts RM16.8 bln trade surplus in Q1 2025, says Awang Tengah
Sarawak posts RM16.8 bln trade surplus in Q1 2025, says Awang Tengah

Borneo Post

time02-07-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Sarawak posts RM16.8 bln trade surplus in Q1 2025, says Awang Tengah

Awang Tengah (centre) applauds after symbolically launching Sarawak Export Day 2025 by lighting up the event's symbol during today's ceremony. Also present are Mussen (fourth right), Reezal (fourth left), and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak recorded a trade surplus of RM16.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong economic momentum amid global uncertainties, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Citing official figures, the International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state's exports in 2024 rose by 2.3 per cent to RM133.8 billion, driven mainly by key commodities such as liquefied natural gas, crude petroleum, and crude palm oil. He also revealed that imports increased by 3.1 per cent to RM64.5 billion, while the state's trade surplus expanded by 1.5 per cent to RM69.3 billion. 'Building on this, the first quarter of 2025 has shown continued strength with a RM16.8 billion trade surplus, reflecting Sarawak's steady momentum,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). Awang Tengah said that Sarawak's trade performance continues to be a pillar of economic growth, showing resilience despite the challenging global environment. He also said the state government is committed to transforming the state's economy by shifting from raw commodity exports towards value-added products, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with trade agencies and industrial players to unlock access to regional and global markets. Awang Tengah said Sarawak currently has trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, with a new office set to open in Pontianak to further strengthen regional connectivity. 'We are laying the groundwork for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports. Our aim is to make Sarawak an export-ready economy that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. 'The federal and Sarawak governments stand ready to support both large exporters and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) through agencies such as Mintred, Matrade and SME Corp Malaysia,' he said. He also revealed that since 2021, interest subsidy schemes have benefited over 3,300 MSMEs with RM75.5 million in subsidies, while approximately 178,000 entrepreneurs have received RM3.3 billion in financial assistance. Awang Tengah urged Sarawakian businesses to embrace digitalisation and sustainability to remain competitive in the evolving global market. 'We are rich in natural resources, but that alone is not enough. We must equip our people and industries with knowledge, skills and innovation to build a future-ready Sarawak. 'Today's buyers are not just looking at price and quality. They want sustainability and exporters must meet international standards and adopt responsible practices,' he said. Awang Tengah concluded his keynote address by urging exporters to explore emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, in order to diversify trade partners and reduce dependency on traditional markets. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 is part of the state's wider effort to equip local businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in global trade and the event gathered industry players, policymakers, and trade experts for knowledge sharing and networking. Awang Tengah exports imports lead Sarawal trade surplus

US tariffs to have ‘limited' impact on S'wak economy
US tariffs to have ‘limited' impact on S'wak economy

The Star

time21-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

US tariffs to have ‘limited' impact on S'wak economy

KUCHING: The reciprocal tariffs announced by the United States will have a limited impact on Sarawak's economy and trade relations, says state Deputy International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. He said Sarawak's exports to the United States amounted to RM1.2bil in 2023. 'This only contributed 0.9% to Sarawak's total exports, with the main product being ferroalloy,' he told Johnichal Rayong (GPS-Engkilili) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly yesterday. Last month, the United States imposed a 24% reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports as part of sweeping higher tariffs against multiple countries before announcing a 90-day pause on the new rates. Mussen said Sarawak's main export market was Asia, which comprised 73.4% of the state's total exports. Liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum, palm oil and aluminium were the state's main exports, amounting to RM102.6bil in 2023, he added. 'The reciprocal tariff is expected to have minimal impact on Sarawak's trade relations with key Asian partners including China, India, Japan and South Korea. These countries remain our major trading partners. 'Trade continues to be strengthened through various free trade agreements (FTAs). Sarawak will utilise these FTAs to diversify and broaden our export markets.' On the state's key commodities, Mussen said LNG was predominantly exported to Japan and China, palm oil to China and India and petroleum to Peninsular Malaysia, Australia and Thailand. 'As a result, Sarawak's trade flows remain resilient, supported by its trade relations, which are more focused on other countries,' he said. In addition, Mussen said, Sarawak would refine its economic policies in line with proactive measures taken by the Federal Government to address the impact of the reciprocal tariff. These measures include strengthening trade partnerships, diversifying export markets while enhancing supply chain resilience, investing in strategic industries and exploring bilateral trade agreements to safeguard economic stability. 'Sarawak will continue to capitalise on our strengths and foster deeper partnerships to enhance resilience and sustain growth despite market uncertainties,' he said. Mussen said Malaysia, as Asean Chair, would work collaboratively to strengthen the regional bloc's influence in negotiations with the United States. He said discussions would focus on charting a way forward and mitigating potential disruptions to regional trade, supply chain and cross-border investments.

US tariffs seen having limited impact on Sarawak
US tariffs seen having limited impact on Sarawak

The Sun

time20-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Sun

US tariffs seen having limited impact on Sarawak

KUCHING: The reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States have had limited impact on Sarawak's economy, a state official said on Tuesday. Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said the state's exports to the US totalled RM1.2 billion in 2023, contributing just 0.9 per cent to overall exports. The main export to the US was ferroalloy. 'Sarawak's main exports consist of liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum, palm oil and aluminium. These exports amounted to RM102.6 billion in 2023 and contributed 78.4 per cent to Sarawak's total exports. 'Our main export market is Asia, which accounted for 73.4 per cent of overall exports. This new tariff is expected to have minimal direct impact on Sarawak,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak State Assembly sitting today. Mussen was responding to a question from GPS-Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnichal Rayong, who asked about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on Sarawak's economy. According to Mussen, the tariffs have limited impact on the state's economy primarily due to the export destinations of Sarawak's key commodities. LNG is predominantly exported to Japan and China; palm oil is mainly sent to China and India; and petroleum exports are largely concentrated in Peninsular Malaysia, Australia and Thailand. 'As a result, Sarawak's trade flows remain resilient, supported by its trade relations, which are more focused on other countries,' he said. Meanwhile, Mussen said Sarawak would continue to refine its economic policies by adapting to global trade dynamics, in line with proactive measures taken by the Federal Government to address the impact of the reciprocal tariffs. He said these measures include strengthening trade partnerships, diversifying export markets, enhancing supply chain resilience, investing in strategic industries, and exploring bilateral trade agreements to safeguard economic stability.

US tariff expected to have limited direct impact on Sarawak's economy, says deputy minister
US tariff expected to have limited direct impact on Sarawak's economy, says deputy minister

Borneo Post

time20-05-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

US tariff expected to have limited direct impact on Sarawak's economy, says deputy minister

Mussen speaks during the DUN sitting today. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (May 20): Sarawak is adapting its economic policies to navigate the challenges posed by the recent introduction of reciprocal tariffs by the US, said Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. The International Trade Industry and Investment Deputy Minister stated that the new 24 per cent reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports into the US, set to take effect after a 90-day postponement from April 9 to July 8, 2025, has raised concerns but is expected to have a limited direct impact on Sarawak's economy. 'Sarawak's exports to the US amounted to RM1.2 billion in 2023. These total exports only contributed 0.9 per cent to Sarawak's total exports, with the main product being ferro alloy,' he said in response to a question from Johnical Rayong Ngipa (PDP-Engkelili) during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Mussen stated that Sarawak's main exports consist of liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum, palm oil and aluminium. 'The exports amounted to RM102.6 billion in 2023 which contributed 78.4 per cent to Sarawak's total exports. 'Our main export market is Asia, which contributed 73.4 per cent to the overall export market. This new tariff is expected to have minimal direct impact on Sarawak,' he said. Mussen emphasised that Sarawak will continue to refine its economic policies by adapting to global trade dynamics, in line with proactive measures taken by the federal government to address the impact of the reciprocal tariff. Among the measures are strengthening trade partnerships, diversifying export markets while enhancing supply chain resilience, investing in strategic industries, and exploring bilateral trade agreements to safeguard economic stability. Mussen also said that a National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) has also been established to formulate a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of the US tariff on Malaysia's economy and key sectors. 'Malaysia will continue strategic high-level engagement with the US, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) will utilise the Malaysia-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to address these concerns. 'Sarawak will continue to capitalise on its strengths and foster deeper partnerships to enhance resilience and sustain growth despite market uncertainties,' he said. economic policies lead Malcolm Mussen Lamoh US tarrifs

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