KUCHING: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Pontianak, Indonesia, is expected to be operational by next year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said presently the state government is reviewing several strategic buildings to house the new office.
“I have personally inspected a number of buildings in the city to serve as the permanent premises for STATO.
“At the moment, together with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), we are still reviewing the options. There is one location that we consider quite suitable, but currently only one unit is available.
“We would prefer a slightly larger space, ideally two adjoining units. Since only one is available for now, the matter is still under review,” he told reporters after officiating at the CIMB-RECODA SME Community Outreach Programme held at a hotel here today.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, expressed confidence that the office could be operational by next year at the latest.
He noted that STATO, which also has a presence in Singapore, has already boosted Sarawak’s trade links.
“What is clear is that the office has helped increase trade between Sarawak and Singapore. This covers many products such as food and handicrafts, and some have even managed to penetrate wider markets.
“At the same time, these offices are not just about facilitating trade. They also play a role in promoting tourism and showcasing investment opportunities. That is why these offices are important,” he said.
On July 29, Awang Tengah led a high-level Sarawak delegation to inspect two potential locations in Pontianak for the STATO.
In a statement, he said that bilateral relations between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia, would be further strengthened once STATO is established in Pontianak.
He also said this was in line with the purpose of setting up the office, namely to enhance cross-border ties in trade, investment and tourism.
