KUCHING: Mizuho Bank Asia Pacific, a global bank with one of the largest customer bases in Japan, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with and support Sarawak in the development of sustainable energy projects including hydrogen, carbon and biomass.
Its chief executive officer, Koichi Zaiki, who is leading a delegation from the bank to Kuching, said the visit served as a platform to introduce Mizuho Bank’s capabilities in decarbonisation — an area in which they have already taken the lead in the Asia Pacific region — thereby paving the way for continued cooperation in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak.
According to him, Mizuho Bank has extensive experience in global projects such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen, and thus sees significant potential to bring their expertise and Japanese clients to participate in strategic projects in Sarawak.
“As a bank, we are not only able to provide financing, but also advisory services to ensure that projects here can be implemented in a viable and bankable manner,” he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here today (Sept 30).
Koichi also informed that the bank had briefed Abang Johari on its existing collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability through several workshops focusing on hydrogen, biomass and carbon credits.
“We also discussed the potential for financing projects in Sarawak and the possibility of working together with local banks to ensure the projects can be implemented in a viable manner.
“The Premier was very positive and ready to help expedite these efforts,” he added.
Also present was Mizuho Bank Malaysia chief executive officer, Toshiharu Fujiwara.
