Call for restoration of bilateral trade connectivity

KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and the Association Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) have expressed hope for the restoration of the bilateral trade connectivity by fully reopening the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) facilities between Entikong and Tebedu for all cargoes and goods.

In their joint statement, both parties also urged the flight operators and the Indonesian government to reinstate direct flights between West Kalimantan and Kuching.

“We also agreed to set up a joint special ad-hoc committee specifically to look into cross-border trade matters and address the problems promptly and effectively, so as to further fostering bilateral economic growth.”

They said this after receiving a courtesy visit from five members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
 
During the visit, the delegation also shared potential investment opportunities in West Kalimantan, particularly in logistics, special economic zones, new and renewable energy, mining and mineral processing industries and infrastructure, aimed to promote investment and business opportunities between the  two  regions.

For the record, Kadin is the national business organisation authorised by the Indonesian government, comprising 34 regional chambers and 514 district branches.

The purpose of the visit is to engage in detailed discussions and deliberations on cross-border trade issues between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

The outcomes of the discussion will be presented to the Indonesian government as important references and recommendations when formulating policies for improving the cross-border trade．