Sarawak to establish trade office in Pontianak

KUCHING: Sarawak is set to establish a State Trade Office in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, to strengthen cross-border trade, investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has acquired a building in Pontianak that will serve as the Sarawak Trade Office, following the model of similar offices already established in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Bidayuh Cultural Office in Bau on Monday.

The new office is expected to become a strategic hub for economic and social connectivity between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, facilitating greater interaction between businesses, investors and communities on both sides of the border.

Abang Johari said Sarawak already enjoys strong trade and healthcare ties with West Kalimantan, and that the new office would further enhance cooperation in these sectors.

He noted that closer people-to-people relations and improved business connectivity could eventually pave the way for greater financial services cooperation, including the possibility of a Sarawak-linked banking presence in Pontianak.

“We will ask Affin Bank to consider having a bank there. That will give facilities for the business community to interact between West Kalimantan and Sarawak,” he said.

The Premier said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote what he described as “Borneo trade”, leveraging the island’s economic potential and strengthening regional supply chains amid global trade uncertainties.

He added that enhanced economic cooperation with West Kalimantan would create new opportunities for Sarawak’s agricultural sector, particularly in expanding exports and market access.

The proposal is expected to be discussed further with Indonesian counterparts, with Abang Johari describing it as one of the outcomes of his engagements in Jakarta earlier this year to address cross-border economic challenges and opportunities.