S’wak businesses urged to leverage China networks to expand while group calls for updated e-commerce rules

Henry (third right) representing Tiong at the Kuching China Trades Importers & Exporters Association’s 50th anniversary gala dinner held at a restaurant in Kuching on Oct 2, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak businesses should leverage established trade networks to expand the reach of locally made products into wider Chinese markets, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

According to a Facebook post, Tiong—whose speech was read by PDP deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep at the Kuching China Trades Importers & Exporters Association’s 50th anniversary gala dinner held at a restaurant here on Oct 2—highlighted opportunities for businesses to strengthen their capabilities in areas such as digital marketing, online payments, logistics and customer service, while sharing practical knowledge and experience among members.

At the same time, he pointed to the potential for more Sarawak-made products, including food, agricultural products and handicrafts, to reach wider markets by leveraging the association’s established networks and relationships with China.

He also emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for younger entrepreneurs, strengthening cooperation between importers, exporters, producers, and logistics providers, and ensuring that accumulated business knowledge and experience continue to be passed to the next generation.

“I hope that the association would remain a strong and constructive voice for the business community by communicating common industry concerns and helping businesses identify solutions to shared challenges.

“Trade also plays a wider role in connecting people and communities, and I encourage business organisations to continue contributing towards stronger interaction between Sarawak, China, and the wider international community alongside Malaysia’s tourism promotion efforts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuching China Trades Importers & Exporters Association president Datuk Yii Ming Tang said that the association had, from its earliest years, served as an important bridge connecting businesses in Sarawak and China, helping local enterprises explore opportunities, source and market products, exchange information, and establish business connections.

“The business environment has changed considerably over the past five decades, particularly with the rapid growth of e-commerce and cross-border digital trade.

“The changing landscape provides new opportunities for businesses and consumers but also raises important questions over whether existing regulatory frameworks should evolve alongside new methods of conducting business,” he said.

Therefore, he said, the association called for continued discussion on areas including import requirements, taxation, product safety, quality certification and consumer protection, to foster a fair, orderly and transparent environment in which conventional businesses and cross-border e-commerce can develop alongside one another. — DayakDaily