Northern Sarawak zone has the potential to drive new economic growth

MIRI, Sept 13: Sarawak's Northern Zone has a wide potential to continue developing as the state's economic growth driver through energy, agriculture, tourism, forest resources and cross-border trade.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the strategic position of the Northern Zone adjacent to Brunei Darussalam, Borneo and Sabah opens up broader opportunities for strengthening trade relations as well as joint development.

"Miri has strength in tourism services, Bintulu in oil and gas-based industries, while Baram has natural wealth and cultural beauty like Bario and Ba'kelalan.

"We have a strategic position because of our neighbourhood with Brunei Darussalam, Borneo and Sabah. This gives us opportunities in terms of cross-border trade and joint development", he said.

He said this while addressing the inauguration of the special convention of United Party United Party Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) Sarawak North Zone at closed Miri Stadium, here today.

He said the agriculture sector also has great potential to be empowered to ensure state food security, including through a pioneering rice planting project.

He said areas such as Old and Balanced have the potential to be developed among food production areas, besides utilizing modern technologies and methods of agriculture.

He added that the development of energy and industrial sectors in the North Zone continues to be strengthened, especially in Bintulu which has a strong presence in petrochemical, oil and gas industries as well as related low-carbon economy activities.

He said the development should be supported by regional planning that takes into account the strengths and potential of each area.
He also said the establishment of a regional development agency is among the important strategies of the Sarawak government to ensure that development is implemented more systematically with local community involvement. - TVS