KUCHING: Uganda is keen to explore strategic ties with Sarawak in oil, gas and agriculture to build a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
According to a TVS news report, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Betty Oyella Bigombe, expressed her country’s interest in tapping into Sarawak’s expertise, especially in gas separation and oil refinery development – areas where Uganda is still in its early stages.
She noted that oil and gas are key focus sectors for Uganda, with refinery construction just beginning, and highlighted Sarawak’s valuable experience in the field.
“In terms of agriculture, there are many things we can share with Sarawak. We are involved in coffee cultivation, dairy production, as well as oil palm.
“We are also learning from Sarawak and hope that this cooperation will continue,” she said.
She said this when met by the media after paying a courtesy call on the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Thursday.
According to her, the tourism sector was also discussed during the one-on-one meeting, which she sees as having great potential to be explored, given that both Sarawak and Uganda have their own respective strengths.
Her side is also open to establishing cooperation in other critical sectors such as trade, which could open up new markets between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, when met by the media, said Uganda’s energy landscape, dominated by 86 per cent hydroelectricity, resembles Sarawak’s energy structure, making it an ideal platform for collaboration.
“Uganda is exploring the oil and gas sector. This opens up major opportunities for state-related companies, such as PETROS, to get involved.
“This strategic potential should be tapped into,” he said.
To further strengthen bilateral relations, Bigombe extended an official invitation to Abang Johari and Dr Hazland for a working visit to Uganda.
