23 European Union Delegates Arrived Safely in Sarawak
Abang Johari (2nd right) at the launch of InvestSarawak while (from left) Ong, Awang Tengah and Julaihi look on. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni KUCHING: The establishment of InvestSarawak is a pivotal initiative by the Sarawak government to facilitate the ease of doing business in the state. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said InvestSarawak is a one-stop centre (OSC) that aims to transform the investment landscape, increase trade and talent attraction for Sarawak. “InvestSarawak will play a key role serving as facilitator and adviser to provide invaluable local insights to all investors, both foreign and domestic. “They are also under the purview of my ministry, which is the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED),” he said in his speech during the launching of InvestSarawak and EU Business Day 2024 networking dinner here last night (Feb 14). Invest Sarawak is the state’s investment and trade agency that will play the role of the first point of contact for all investors. In addition, it will act as the key facilitator to all investors across sectors in the development, applications and approvals for investment projects in Sarawak. Touching on the programme, Awang Tengah described it as a good effort to gather local and global thought leaders under one roof, adding that the forum held attracted over 300 participants from more than 100 companies from the European Union (EU). “Sarawak’s unique offerings and Europe’s diverse markets offer huge potentials for mutually beneficial partnerships both in investment and trade. “For the past decade, there were 19 EU investments in Sarawak, specifically from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, totalling RM10.66 billion in sectors such as electric and electronic (E&E), basic metal and petroleum products,” he said. Present at the launch were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Ambassador of the EU to Malaysia Michalis Rokas, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki and InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong.
Sarawak To Allign With EU On Energy Production
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg recently announced their cooperation with the European Union (EU) in the energy production sector to reduce the effects of climate change. The cooperation was revealed during his speech at the dinner event held in conjunction with the launch of Invest Sarawak and Business Day, that has been attended by over 400 guests, including state Cabinet ministers, business representatives and 23 delegates from the EU. Abang Johari said the cooperation will involve technological development, especially in hydrogen production. “In line with technology advancement that will reduce dependence on fossil energy, which is constantly increasing in cost, I believe that the cost for hydrogen production will become cheaper within the next five to 10 years,” he said. He said Sarawak is taking the issue of global warming seriously, adding that the state wants to help reduce carbon emissions and the impact of climate change, which resulted in the highest temperature reading last year.
Sarawak keen to work with EU in tackling climate change
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (third left) launching InvestSarawak at the EU-Malaysia Business Day networking dinner in Kuching on Wednesday (Feb 14) night. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to work with the European Union (EU) on mitigating climate change, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said the EU had experience and technology while Sarawak’s strength was in its natural resources and renewable energy. “Although we are a small state, we feel we have the responsibility to assist in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. “You are welcome to explore which areas you can collaborate with us on this and together we can help the world,” he said at the EU-Malaysia Business Day networking dinner here on Wednesday (Feb 14) night. Abang Johari said other potential areas of collaboration were in digitalisation and education. “Perhaps we can send our students to study in Europe,” he said. Abang Johari also launched InvestSarawak, the state’s investment and trade agency, at the same event. InvestSarawak will serve as a one-stop centre and first point of contact for all investors in the state. It will be the key facilitator for investors in the development, applications and approvals for investment projects in Sarawak, besides improving the ease of doing business. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said InvestSarawak was a pivotal initiative which aimed to transform the investment landscape, increase trade and improve talent attraction in the state. “It will play a key role serving as facilitator and adviser to provide invaluable local insights to all investors, both foreign and domestic,” he said.
