PONTIANAK: A delegation from Sarawak, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is in Pontianak as part of a working visit aimed at strengthening trade, investment and regional cooperation between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
Soon after arrival on Tuesday, the Deputy Premier conducted a site inspection of two proposed locations for the establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Kalimantan.
The proposed office is poised to become a strategic platform for enhancing business linkages, promoting Sarawak’s cultural and natural assets, and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in penetrating regional markets.
“STATO is part of Sarawak’s long-term vision to enhance its regional footprint through inclusive economic diplomacy,” said Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development.
When operational, STATO will also contribute to talent development and collaborative projects in line with Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which focuses on sustainable growth, innovation and economic resilience.
The visit reflects Sarawak’s proactive stance in building regional bridges within the Borneo economic corridor, aligning closely with Indonesia’s ongoing development of its new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan.
Joining the Deputy Premier in the Sarawak delegation are Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Dzulkornain Masron; and Director of the Economic Planning Unit, Department in the Premier’ Office, Datuk Lester Matthew.
The Sarawak delegation was received by the Malaysian Consul in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim.
