KUCHING: Sarawak has taken another step onto the global cultural stage by forging a partnership with Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on mutual cooperation.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the agreement is a powerful platform to showcase tradition as a driver of economic opportunity.
“This partnership puts Sarawak and Fergana on the world stage. By celebrating heritage and creativity together, we turn tradition into opportunity,” he said after the signing ceremony.
The MOU was inked by Abdul Karim and Fergana Governor Khayrullo Bozarov, paving the way for wide-ranging collaboration in heritage, arts, crafts, tourism and the creative industry.
Under the five-year agreement, both regions will organise joint festivals, cultural showcases and creative exchanges.
Artisans, performers and creative entrepreneurs from Sarawak and Fergana will share skills, co-create projects and explore new markets, strengthening people-to-people connections and boosting the creative economy.
Bozarov welcomed the move, highlighting shared values between the two regions.
“Fergana and Sarawak share a spirit of craftsmanship and culture. This MOU will let us showcase that strength globally while creating new creative ventures.”
The memorandum, which can be extended beyond its initial five-year term, underscores a mutual commitment to deepen ties through culture, tourism and creativity, positioning both Sarawak and Fergana as vibrant hubs for heritage and artistic innovation.
