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Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem
Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem

The Star

time02-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem

Key dignitaries were among the nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players who gathered for Sarawak Export Day 2025 in Kuching. KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Export Day 2025, held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching, concluded with the participation of nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players from across the state, reflecting the government's strong commitment to advancing the state's export agenda. This programme was jointly organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Sarawak state government through its International Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry (Mintred). The event also received support from strategic partners such as Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Exim Bank and Capital Markets Malaysia. Sarawak Export Day is part of Matrade's ongoing initiative to raise awareness and build the export capabilities of local companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, to penetrate international markets. The official launch was officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Premier and Mintred Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Also in attendance were Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Matrade board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah. In conjunction with the programme, two local companies were recognised under Matrade's programme with the Sarawak Best Exporter Award. Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd, a producer of Sarawak layer cakes and biscuits, was awarded Best Exporter in the MSME Category, while Tuong Aik Shipyard Sdn Bhd, a shipbuilding and repair engineering company, received the award in the Mid-Tier Company (MTC) Category. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' said Reezal Merican. According to Reezal Merican, the organisation of such programmes reflects the Federal Government's strong commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient export ecosystem. He noted that Sarawak is now on a solid path toward export development, with growing participation of companies in Matrade's programmes. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' he added. Reezal Merican also emphasised that Matrade will continue to serve as a facilitator for exporters through business matching initiatives, export promotion and capacity building. 'From 2024 to May 2025, a total of 382 companies from Sarawak were supported under Matrade's export development and promotion programmes, generating nearly RM1bil in export value,' he added. The state-level Export Day serves as an important platform to strengthen public-private collaboration in driving export growth. Key activities over the two days included engagement sessions, business matching, export clinics and technical briefings involving government agencies and financial institutions. Following Sarawak, Matrade will continue its Export Day series in other states, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, scheduled for August 2025. This effort is part of a national initiative to broaden local companies' participation in global markets while supporting the country's export growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner.

Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners
Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners

The Sun

time02-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Sun

Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners

KUCHING: Sarawak must expand its trade reach into new markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to reduce dependency on traditional partners, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Speaking at the launch of Sarawak Export Day 2025, he emphasised the need for stronger collaborations with industrial players, trade agencies, and global distributors. 'These partnerships will help Sarawak brands gain retail access, improve visibility, and establish a stronger global presence,' he said. Awang Tengah, who is also the state's Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the role of technology in boosting competitiveness. He urged businesses to adopt digital platforms, AI-driven insights, and blockchain to enhance transparency and attract global buyers. 'Global buyers now prioritise sustainability alongside price and quality. Exporters must meet international standards that incorporate eco-friendly practices,' he added. The ministry is assisting exporters in adapting to regulatory changes, joining trade missions, and gaining international exposure. Sarawak's trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, along with a planned office in Pontianak, Indonesia, will serve as key gateways for regional and global market expansion.

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

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