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By DayakDaily Team KUCHING, Oct 29: Trade between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam continues to record positive growth, with the total trade value between both regions rising to RM3.39 billion in 2024. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) news report, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the figure demonstrates the increasingly vibrant trade and economic ties between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, compared to Sarawak’s overall external trade value of RM198.7 billion in the same year. The achievement reflects the sustained confidence of investors in Sarawak’s economic strength and potential, both regionally and internationally. He said the consistent growth in trade value underscores the strong cooperation between the two sides, reaffirming Sarawak’s position as a preferred destination for domestic and international investments. “Sarawak is among the most popular investment destinations in Malaysia, and we continue to promote sustainable and innovative investments that will bring significant benefits to our people and to the nation’s economy as a whole,” said Awang Tengah during the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony for the Rimbunan Kaseh Sundar Project at the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB) yesterday (Oct 28). The MoA was signed between LCDA Agri Business Sdn. Bhd. and Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd., witnessed by Awang Tengah and Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin. Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment highlighted that Brunei’s strategic location provides access to wider markets, while Sarawak’s rich natural resources and skilled workforce continue to attract quality investments. “Brunei has a robust business ecosystem and a stable financial policy. Sarawak, on the other hand, is rich in natural resources, has a well-trained workforce, and enjoys strong political stability. Together, we can drive greater economic growth,” he added. He also pointed out that there is vast potential for collaboration in green energy, aligning with both regions’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, sectors that are increasingly gaining global focus. Awang Tengah further emphasised the need to broaden cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, into new high-value and future-oriented sectors. Also present were Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Brunei, Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, LCDA General Manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, STATOB CEO Samat Junai, Sahamada Corporation adviser Illias Matusin, Batu Danau Assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, and other distinguished guests. —DayakDaily
