KUCHING: The recent 2027 National Budget has set the Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) priority to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Kalimantan and the wider Borneo region.
SBF’s president, Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok said that the national budget is welcomed by the federation as it will further strengthen trade between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
“We welcome the announcement in the 2027 National Budget that Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to expedite the full opening of the Tebedu-Entikong border checkpoint for cross-border trade.
“This is an important step towards strengthening trade and connectivity between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
“Moreover, with the recent conclusion of the Borneo Economic Forum in Kuching, it further reinforced the potential for closer business collaboration across our shared region,” he said.
Chai said this during his speech at the Sarawak Business Federation 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Amity Hall, UNIFOR Complex on Saturday night (Oct. 17).
He emphasised that SBF will step up engagement with chambers of commerce, industry associations and business leaders in Sabah, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan to facilitate business matching, develop partnerships, and explore trade and investment opportunities in Borneo.
“Beyond the movement of goods, we should pursue wider cooperation in agriculture, food processing, adequate infrastructure and close cooperation between the relevant authorities and the private sector,” he said.
SBF’s objective is to turn border connectivity into business opportunities, and business opportunities into investment, jobs and shared prosperity.
“We also intend to strengthen our business connections within BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN, while nurturing young entrepreneurs, women in business and emerging business leaders though mentorship, knowledge-sharing and leadership development,” said Chai.
