Sarawak and Queensland discuss strengthening bilateral ties with focus on sustainable devt, investment

Awang Tengah (left) and Cameron in a photo op.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 14: Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan attended a courtesy meeting with Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, in Australia yesterday (Aug 13).

According to a press release, the discussion focused on several important issues and collaboration between Sarawak, Malaysia, and Australia.

Jessica Claire Pugh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Queensland State Electoral District of Mount Ommaney was also present at the meeting.

During the discussions, Awang Tengah who is also Sarawak Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, underscored the richness of the State’s natural resources, flora and fauna, arable land for agriculture, extensive mineral deposits, and large reserves of petroleum and natural gas.

He emphasised that these resources present significant opportunities for collaboration between Sarawak and Australia, particularly with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), known for its cutting-edge scientific research and sustainable forest management practices.

The minister also emphasised Sarawak’s recent successes in making significant strides towards sustainability while becoming an attractive investment location in the heart of Southeast Asia.

He also elaborated on Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing the region’s progress under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. This ambitious plan aims to transform Sarawak into a developed region by 2030, driven by data and innovation, and focused on economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) and the Sarawak Australia Business Chamber (SABC).

This MoU aims to promote bilateral trade and investment, paving the way for future collaborations in various sectors, including trade, tourism, education, and more.

Also in attendance were Ministry for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, Sarawak Attorney-General Datu Saferi Ali, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Director of Forests Datu Hamden Mohammad, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Controller Jack Liam, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. — DayakDaily