KUCHING: Sarawak is aiming to become Malaysia’s leading export region, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressing confidence that the state could eventually overtake Johor or Selangor.
He said Sarawak was currently ranked fourth among the country’s top five exporting regions, behind Penang, Selangor and Johor, while Kuala Lumpur was fifth.
“I think maybe one day we can take over Johor or even Selangor as the top export region in Malaysia,” he said at the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SCCI) 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Friday night (Nov. 13).
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s expanding economy, growing pool of trained human capital, and abundance of natural resources would support its ambition to strengthen its position in the country’s export sector.
He also pointed to the flow of investments into the state, including developments involving companies such as SoftBank, Grab and Indorama, as well as expansions involving Western Digital and Melexis.
These investments, he said, would contribute towards Sarawak’s target of achieving a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM282 billion by 2030.
“It could be more, but the fact is that we have a clear direction in managing our economy,” he said.
He added that developing local talent was important to sustaining Sarawak’s economic growth, with education and skills training helping prepare the workforce for emerging industries.
Abang Johari said the state was also focused on developing its resources and capabilities to participate in the changing global economy, while creating opportunities for its people.
He expressed confidence that Sarawak’s economic direction and continued investment inflows would strengthen its contribution to Malaysia’s economy.
