STATOB to boost trade ties with Brunei: Awang Tengah

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB) is set to further boost Sarawak’s economic trade with Brunei.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that in 2023, Sarawak saw a 23.8 per cent increase in total trade with Brunei, amounting to RM3.76 billion.

“Sarawak welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors from Brunei in 2023, the highest recorded to date.

“We can strengthen our tourism industry through joint promotions and by co-hosting business and sports events, such as a sailing or yachting competition in Brunei Bay or a cross-border marathon from Lawas to the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge.

“I am confident that STATOB will play a key role in advancing our strategic economic partnership,” said Awang Tengah.

He said this during the launch of STATOB, which was launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Awang Tengah said that under the leadership of Abang Johari, Sarawak is ramping up infrastructure development to integrate with Brunei’s road network, particularly the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH).

“This critical route connects to the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road and ultimately to Nusantara in Indonesia.

“By enhancing road connectivity, access to international airports and seaports, and improving power and telecommunications links, Sarawak and Brunei can effectively collaborate and capitalise on their competitive advantages to drive trade and investment.

“I envision increased bilateral cooperation in sectors like energy, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, and trade,” he added.

He pointed out that Sarawakian entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), would benefit significantly from these initiatives, helping them expand their products and services into larger markets, including Borneo and the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) region.

“Our visionary Premier will lead the charge in expanding cooperation, particularly in the digital economy and green technologies.

“STATOB is a vital step toward this goal, providing a platform to strengthen economic ties, promote sustainable development, and foster growth across key sectors, including SMEs,” he said