BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Sarawak government is seeking to explore more opportunities for strategic cooperation with Brunei Darussalam across various sectors.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said that through longstanding relations and trade, the total trade value between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam reached approximately RM3.39 billion in 2024.
He said that sharing a border with Brunei Darussalam gives Sarawak an advantage in building close ties with the Bruneian government, business community, and its people.
“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak aims to become a developed economy through inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth.
“There are many opportunities that can be explored by Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, including potential cooperation in green energy and hydrogen, telecommunications, agriculture and halal food, logistics and border infrastructure, bioeconomy, research and development, as well as education and talent development,” he added.
He said this in his welcoming speech at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak–Brunei 2025 Cultural Flavours and Connections Programme held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium here on Saturday.
The programme, organised by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office, Brunei (STATOB), was officiated by Brunei Darussalam’s Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Seri Setia Dr Awang Amin Liew Abdullah.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), added that Brunei Darussalam’s strong regulatory system and Sarawak’s rich biodiversity offer greater potential for collaboration, especially in herbal and nutraceutical products.
He said that Sarawak also shares a commitment to forest cover conservation and jointly exploring the carbon trading industry.
Therefore, he said, STATOB will continue to play an active role – not only in promotion, but also as a strategic connector and facilitator for regional cooperation between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.
“Sarawak will continue to collaborate with Brunei to promote joint tourism programmes and position Borneo as a destination, leveraging Brunei International Airport as a regional hub.
“STATOB provides advisory services to traders, investors, and tourism industry players, and is led by officers from both territories.
“It supports Bruneian importers, Sarawakian exporters, as well as investors seeking to leverage Brunei’s strategic location in Southeast Asia,” said Awang Tengah.
