KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg received a farewell visit from the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D Kagan, at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Kagan said the visit was to personally meet the Premier ahead of the conclusion of his diplomatic service on Feb 15, adding that Sarawak held a special place for him since his first visit to the state in 2014.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said he had always received a warm welcome from the Sarawak government and wanted to express his appreciation for the cooperation extended to him and the United States throughout his tenure.
“I intended to come personally to convey my thanks to the Premier of Sarawak not only for his kindness and cooperation towards me, but also towards the US.
“I also expressed how much I appreciate the story of Sarawak’s development and how much Sarawak has changed in the 11 and a half years since I first set foot here,” he said.
He encouraged Sarawak to continue positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy and the hydrogen economy, noting that collaboration with United States companies could serve as a catalyst for further growth.
Kagan said American companies possessed the technology and expertise that could contribute to Sarawak’s development vision, although investment decisions remained the prerogative of individual companies.
“Ultimately, the key is for Sarawak to continue doing what it has done so well, which is to create an environment that attracts investment.
“This shows that Sarawak is the right place for companies to establish themselves in the long term, and to continue to be bold and visionary in what they want to achieve using their own policies,” he added.
Kagan also explained that an increasing number of US companies had shown interest in investing and collaborating in Sarawak, with major investment announcements expected in the future.
