KUCHING: The manufacturing sector in Sarawak currently accounts for 26 to 28 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 has set a target for the manufacturing sector to contribute 30 per cent to Sarawak’s GDP, produce 10,000 new entrepreneurs, and have 30,000 entrepreneurs adopt digital platforms by 2030
To date 5,000 new entrepreneurs have registered, and more than 15,000 entrepreneurs have adopted digital platforms.
“The achievements so far are very encouraging, and I am confident that we can reach the 30 per cent target by 2030,” he said.
He said this during his Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment’s Mandate Ceremony here today (Feb 26).
On another note, Awang Tengah, stated that from 2020 to 2024, Sarawak has demonstrated strong investment performance, with total investments amounting to RM120.3 billion, covering various sectors, including primary industries, services and manufacturing.
“Of this total, RM51.2 billion came from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), while RM69.1 billion was from Domestic Direct Investment (DDI).
“International trade has recorded a positive trade balance from 2004 to 2023.
“In 2004, the trade balance stood at RM23.5 billion. Meanwhile, in 2023, the trade balance surged to RM68.2 billion. Among Sarawak’s main trading partners are Japan, China, South Korea, and India,” he added.
Awang Tengah also highlighted that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role as the engine of economic growth in Sarawak.
“In 2022, this sector contributed RM29.7 billion, equivalent to 17.9 per cent of the state’s economy.
“To strengthen the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs, the government has provided RM226 million in assistance to over 89,900 entrepreneurs since 2021 through various programmes,” he said.
Awang Tengah said that the Sarawak government will conduct more investment promotion efforts this year to ensure the state remains a top destination for domestic and international investors.
“We will continue to strengthen our advantages, such as renewable energy, to attract more strategic investments.
“In addition, Sarawak is set to become a key hub for the semiconductor, aerospace, and related economic industries,” he said.
