KUCHING: Sarawak and the Northern Territory of Australia are strengthening bilateral relations through strategic cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, education, and regional economic development.
Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Engagement Robyn Cahill said both regions are at a similar level of economic development and share significant potential, particularly in environmental conservation and sustainable energy investment.
“It is a very meaningful experience to be here to discuss opportunities for collaboration between the Northern Territory and Sarawak, to advance our economies, boost the tourism industry, and, more importantly, to explore how we can improve connectivity between the two regions,” she said after a meeting with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, at Wisma Sumber Alam here recently.
The Australian delegation, led by Cahill, included several senior officials such as chief of staff Brett Hannam, deputy chief executive officer of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Engagement Kelly Ralston, and director of Study NT Renee Tennent.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr. Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, and Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The meeting focused on areas of collaboration such as talent development and higher education, the oil and gas industry, eco-tourism, green mining, as well as food security and agriculture.
Sarawak also expressed interest in learning best practices from Australia in national park and natural resource management.
Both parties are committed to further strengthening trade and investment ties, with Australia recognizing Malaysia as the second-largest source of imports for the Northern Territory.
The four-day official visit of the Australian delegation to Sarawak is expected to open up more opportunities for future cooperation, benefiting the economy and environment of both regions.
