An economic booster for local traders

BINTULU: Bintulu Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) plays an important role as a platform for local entrepreneurs and small traders to promote their products, besides contributing to the town’s overall economic growth.

Deputy chairman of the Bintulu Development Board (BDA), Datuk Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, said this festival became an economic booster for Bintulu by attracting not only local but also international visitors.

“This festival opens up wide opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small traders to market their products to visitors from home and abroad, thus helping to increase their income and expand their business network,” he said when speaking at the opening of the 17th BIKF at the Old Bintulu Airport, on Friday.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Jepak assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, who represented Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

According to Haidar, the presence of international tourists also has a positive impact on the local hospitality, food and service sector and creates spillover benefits for various industries.

He stressed that BIKF also plays an important role in introducing local products such as handicrafts, traditional food, and unique products of Borneo to the larger market, thereby increasing the demand for local produce.

“BIKF is not just a place to have fun, but also a field to generate income and drive Bintulu’s economy to a higher level,” he added.

Through increasing participation every year, this festival has helped to strengthen Bintulu’s position as a tourist attraction, thus boosting the local economy sustainably.

A total of 28 countries participated in the annual activity organised by BDA in collaboration with the Bintulu Resident and District Office, government and private sectors and statutory bodies here from Sept 25 to 29.