KUCHING (Feb 21): A delegation from Sarawak in Norway’s capital city Oslo is focussing on economic cooperation, particularly in sectors where the country has established global leadership such as oil and gas, forestry, agriculture, and energy.
A statement from the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), which organised the visit led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the Sarawak delegation is particularly interested in collaborating on emerging technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), digital economy, and clean energy solutions such as hydrogen and green technology.
“The delegation recognises the potential for mutual collaboration between Sarawak and Norway in these vital sectors, as both regions share common objectives in pursuing sustainable economic development.
“This visit highlights Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to modernise its urban planning practices and foster economic growth while ensuring sustainability.
“The delegation is optimistic that this collaboration will lead to long-term partnerships between Sarawak and Oslo, with a focus on shared urban development strategies and addressing the growing demand for urbanisation and migration to cities,” said Recoda.
The delegation is also learning how Oslo has successfully integrated industrial and residential zoning to support economic activities while balancing the need for sustainable growth.
It aims to understand how the city has seamlessly integrated transportation systems with urban development, ensuring connectivity between residential, industrial, and commercial areas.
“In addition to the technical aspects of urban planning, the delegation was also briefed by Peter Austin, planning advisor, City Government of Oslo, on how green spaces such as urban parks are integrated into Oslo’s cityscape, while preserving the city’s cultural heritage, stressing on the importance of public participation in the planning process.
“The delegation is also exploring best practices in several key areas including waste management, lake management, housing projects, healthcare, and the development of sports and recreational facilities that contribute to the well-being of the urban population,” said Recoda.
According to the authority, the visit primarily seeks to understand the planning laws, rules, and regulations that govern urban development in Oslo, as well as the city’s planning structure and governance processes.
The authority said the delegation is keen to explore how Oslo’s urban planning framework could be adapted to meet the unique challenges of Sarawak, a region with similar topographical features and terrain, particularly the highland and hillslope development that is prevalent in both areas.
It added that the visit is part of Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to explore and implement sustainable urban practices.
During the engagement session, the delegation presented plans for the development of Kapit New Township, a project designed to address the specific challenges of Sarawak’s hilly topography, which closely resembles the landscapes of Oslo and Bergen.
“Discussions are expected to continue in the coming days as the two regions explore further opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in urban planning and sustainable development,” added Recoda.
