Chinese firms explore investment in Sarawak ports, petrochemicals, agriculture

KUCHING (March 7): A Chinese business delegation has expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sarawak, particularly in port development and management, as well as in the petrochemical and agriculture sectors.

The delegation, led by Shandong Port Group chairman Wang Wei, included Yatong Petrochemical Group vice-president Yu Kechao, and Tianye Corporation director and general manager Shan Dan, along with senior management representatives.

During the courtesy call on Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan here on Friday, the companies highlighted their capabilities in integrated supply chain services, smart and green port development, commodity warehousing, and advanced petrochemical processing technologies.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, welcomed quality investments aligned with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which targets economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

“Sarawak remains committed to providing a conducive business ecosystem through continuous efforts to modernisation, including transport, logistics, telecommunications, and utilities,” he said in a statement.

Highlighting the state’s renewable energy potential, he added that Sarawak aims to generate 10 gigawatts of energy by 2030 and position itself as the ‘battery of Asean’.

The Deputy Premier encouraged the delegation to leverage Sarawak’s natural resources, strategic location, and access to Southeast Asian market and global trade networks.

He noted the state’s potential to become a regional hub for the petrochemical and food industries, particularly to serve the expanding halal market.

Awang Tengah also reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to transparent policies and infrastructure support to facilitate investors.

The delegation was invited to engage further with relevant authorities to explore specific investment opportunities.

Also present at the meeting were Awang Tengah’s deputy Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment permanent secretary Datu Lester Matthew, and other senior officials.