Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan reveals that as of 2023, there have been about 19 European Union (EU) investments in Sarawak, specifically from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, totalling RM10.66 billion in sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), basic metal and petroleum products.
Awang Tengah, who also is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) elaborated that Sarawak is now focused on the development of new economic sectors such as the hydrogen economy, digital economy, renewable energy, finance and talent development.
“This strategic shift allows us to move from the conventional resource-based economy to a low carbon, green and circular economy,” he said.
Awang Tengah said this before the launching of InvestSarawak and EU Business Day 2024 and Networking Dinner by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel in Kuching tonight.
He said that even though total investment from the EU in Sarawak is relatively still very small, he was impressed that the EU Business Day 2024 forum today had over 300 participants, of which more than 100 companies from the EU were representated.
“Sarawak’s unique offerings and Europe’s diverse markets offer huge potential for mutually beneficial partnerships both in investment and trade,” he said.
On the launching of InvestSarawak, Awang Tengah explained that it is a pivotal initiative by the Sarawak government to facilitate the ease of doing business.
He added that InvestSarawak, under the purview of MINTRED, is a one-stop centre (OSC) that aims to transform the investment landscape and increase trade and talent attraction for Sarawak.
“OSC will play a key role serving as facilitator and adviser to provide invaluable local insights to all investors, both foreign and domestic,” he said.
Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Ambassador Of European Union to Malaysia Michalis Rokas and InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong were among those present.
