Sarawak, Davao explore agro-industry ties

DAVAO CITY: Sarawak and Davao City are exploring opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and agro-industry, with connectivity and stronger links across the food supply chain identified as important areas for future collaboration.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the engagement provided an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation while learning from Davao City’s agricultural and agro-industrial capabilities.

“Connectivity is equally important to agricultural development, particularly the infrastructure and transport links needed to move produce from farms to markets and processing facilities,” he said in a Facebook posting following his courtesy visit to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z Duterte on Monday (Sept 21).

Dr Rundi led a Sarawak delegation during the visit, which also included engagements with selected agricultural areas and food-processing facilities in Davao City.

The visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to examine agricultural production, processing and other components of the food supply chain, as Sarawak continues efforts to strengthen its own food security and agricultural sector.

Davao City has a significant agricultural base, with the Davao Region being a major producer and exporter of bananas, while coconut and durian are also among its key agricultural products.

During the courtesy call, Duterte expressed the city’s commitment to strengthen food security and supported programmes, investments and partnerships aimed at developing its agricultural sector.

He said stronger cooperation could contribute towards ensuring a stable and sustainable food supply for Dabawenyos.

For Sarawak, the engagement comes amid ongoing efforts to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and develop greater value from the State’s agricultural commodities.

Dr Rundi’s ministry has also been pushing for greater adoption of technology, innovation and value-added activities in agriculture, including the development of farmers into agropreneurs.

He recently highlighted the importance of Industry 5.0 in agriculture during the ASEAN Innovation Summit 2026 in Davao City, stressing that technology and human capabilities must work together to improve productivity and create greater value.

No specific agreement or investment commitment was announced following the courtesy visit, with further opportunities expected to be explored through the delegation’s engagements with agricultural and food-processing operators in Davao City.