S’wak looks to Hungary’s premier logistics hub to transform northern region into powerhouse cross-border trade gateway

The upcoming Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035 aims to adopt European logistics frameworks to boost cross-border trade, infrastructure, and industrial connectivity in northern Sarawak.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 17: The upcoming Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035 will incorporate European logistics expertise to transform northern Sarawak into a powerhouse cross-border trade gateway complete with interconnected ports, airports, and road networks.

According to a recent statement, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan led a Sarawak delegation to Hungary’s Budapest Intermodal Logistics Centre (BILK), a premier Central European rail cargo hub, to study its integrated ecosystem and gather insights to strengthen the State’s supply chains.

“We are especially interested in how an integrated logistics centre such as BILK combines rail, road, warehousing, distribution, cargo handling, terminal operations, customs-related processes, and private sector participation into one efficient ecosystem,” he said in a statement.

Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), highlighted that efficient logistics will play a critical role in anchoring high-value investments in northern Sarawak.

He noted that Sarawak, which is recognized by the World Bank as a high-income economy is aggressively pursuing its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to achieve sustainable growth driven by digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech sectors like semiconductors and aerospace technology.

He added that Sarawak’s green energy advantage plays a crucial role in attracting these high-value investments.

“The State is currently leveraging its vast hydropower resources while actively scaling up investments in solar, biomass and hydrogen to position itself as a clean energy hub within ASEAN.

“By aligning state-of-the-art European logistics infrastructure with its green economy goals, the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035 aims to secure a competitive edge for the northern region’s border trade and industrial development,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the visit would pave the way for long-term collaboration and continuous knowledge exchange between Sarawak and Hungary in building a more connected, sustainable, and resilient logistics framework. — DayakDaily