BUDAPEST: Sarawak is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Hungary, particularly the city of Budapest, in urban development, industrial growth, clean energy and regional planning to support its long-term development agenda.
The move follows an official visit by a Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan to Budapest City Hall, where discussions centred on knowledge exchange and potential collaboration in sustainable development and economic transformation.
Awang Tengah said the engagement reflects Sarawak’s commitment to learning from global best practices while building strategic international partnerships that can support the state’s future growth.
“Budapest’s strengths in urban planning, mobility systems and sustainable city development offer valuable insights as Sarawak continues implementing transformative initiatives under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said in a press statement on Tuesday (June 16).
He highlighted that Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state with an area of approximately 12.4 million hectares, possesses abundant natural resources, a strategic location and a diverse workforce that continue to attract investments.
He said the state’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation and economic diversification has enhanced its competitiveness, while recent recognition by the World Bank as a high-income economy further strengthens investor confidence.
“Our focus now is to further enhance household incomes and improve the quality of life of our people in line with our Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.”
He added that Sarawak is investing significantly in infrastructure, digital connectivity, human capital development and renewable energy, including hydropower, hydrogen and solar energy, to drive sustainable growth.
According to Awang Tengah, the state is also positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor and aerospace sectors, while expanding its role as a clean energy powerhouse.
He noted that Hungary’s strengths in automotive and electric vehicle manufacturing, electronics production, pharmaceuticals and high-technology exports align closely with Sarawak’s economic priorities and industrial ambitions.
He also said Hungary’s experience in regional development and cross-border economic integration could provide useful lessons as Sarawak advances development in its northern region and enhances regional connectivity.
On urban development, he said Sarawak is keen to understand how Budapest applies compact city principles, integrated land-use planning and transit-oriented development, particularly as the state advances its hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit system and broader sustainable mobility agenda.
