STATOB will contribute to country’s economy

KUCHING: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB) has the potential to deliver significant economic returns to Malaysia.

Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan said the opening of STATOB will contribute positively to the overall development and value of the country.

“If it generates high economic returns for Sarawak, it will add value to the country. Therefore, we welcome strong ties between Sarawak and any countries with economic interests,” he said.

Ahmad Nadzri disclosed that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the opening of STATOB.

He made these remarks after leading a delegation from federal agencies for a courtesy call on Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Astana Negeri here on Wednesday.

The delegation comprised 182 officials from 52 federal departments and agencies in Sarawak.

Ahmad Nadzri said the event was in response to numerous requests from federal departments and agencies seeking to pay courtesy calls on the Sarawak Governor.

He expressed hope that the event would strengthen cooperation and communication between the federal and state governments to ensure smooth development in Sarawak.

Earlier this year, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan had said STATOB was set to open soon in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, with operations expected to begin towards the end of this year.

This will be the second Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office, following its counterpart in Singapore (STATOS), which commenced operations in August 2019.

In 2023, STATOS facilitated total exports exceeding RM160 million, primarily in agricultural products such as bird’s nest, gula apong, highland rice, kek lapis, and seafood.

Furthermore, STATOS has assisted 14 Sarawakian businesses through its Export Promotion Assistance Programme, allocating RM500,000 in 2023, which expanded local products in Singapore, amounting to RM23.34 million.