Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners
Speaking at the launch of Sarawak Export Day 2025, he emphasised the need for stronger collaborations with industrial players, trade agencies, and global distributors.
'These partnerships will help Sarawak brands gain retail access, improve visibility, and establish a stronger global presence,' he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also the state's Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the role of technology in boosting competitiveness.
He urged businesses to adopt digital platforms, AI-driven insights, and blockchain to enhance transparency and attract global buyers.
'Global buyers now prioritise sustainability alongside price and quality. Exporters must meet international standards that incorporate eco-friendly practices,' he added.
The ministry is assisting exporters in adapting to regulatory changes, joining trade missions, and gaining international exposure.
Sarawak's trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, along with a planned office in Pontianak, Indonesia, will serve as key gateways for regional and global market expansion.
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem
Key dignitaries were among the nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players who gathered for Sarawak Export Day 2025 in Kuching. KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Export Day 2025, held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching, concluded with the participation of nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players from across the state, reflecting the government's strong commitment to advancing the state's export agenda. This programme was jointly organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Sarawak state government through its International Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry (Mintred). The event also received support from strategic partners such as Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Exim Bank and Capital Markets Malaysia. Sarawak Export Day is part of Matrade's ongoing initiative to raise awareness and build the export capabilities of local companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, to penetrate international markets. The official launch was officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Premier and Mintred Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Also in attendance were Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Matrade board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah. In conjunction with the programme, two local companies were recognised under Matrade's programme with the Sarawak Best Exporter Award. Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd, a producer of Sarawak layer cakes and biscuits, was awarded Best Exporter in the MSME Category, while Tuong Aik Shipyard Sdn Bhd, a shipbuilding and repair engineering company, received the award in the Mid-Tier Company (MTC) Category. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' said Reezal Merican. According to Reezal Merican, the organisation of such programmes reflects the Federal Government's strong commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient export ecosystem. He noted that Sarawak is now on a solid path toward export development, with growing participation of companies in Matrade's programmes. 'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' he added. Reezal Merican also emphasised that Matrade will continue to serve as a facilitator for exporters through business matching initiatives, export promotion and capacity building. 'From 2024 to May 2025, a total of 382 companies from Sarawak were supported under Matrade's export development and promotion programmes, generating nearly RM1bil in export value,' he added. The state-level Export Day serves as an important platform to strengthen public-private collaboration in driving export growth. Key activities over the two days included engagement sessions, business matching, export clinics and technical briefings involving government agencies and financial institutions. Following Sarawak, Matrade will continue its Export Day series in other states, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, scheduled for August 2025. This effort is part of a national initiative to broaden local companies' participation in global markets while supporting the country's export growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Sarawak urged to explore new markets beyond traditional partners
KUCHING: Sarawak must expand its trade reach into new markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to reduce dependency on traditional partners, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Speaking at the launch of Sarawak Export Day 2025, he emphasised the need for stronger collaborations with industrial players, trade agencies, and global distributors. 'These partnerships will help Sarawak brands gain retail access, improve visibility, and establish a stronger global presence,' he said. Awang Tengah, who is also the state's Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the role of technology in boosting competitiveness. He urged businesses to adopt digital platforms, AI-driven insights, and blockchain to enhance transparency and attract global buyers. 'Global buyers now prioritise sustainability alongside price and quality. Exporters must meet international standards that incorporate eco-friendly practices,' he added. The ministry is assisting exporters in adapting to regulatory changes, joining trade missions, and gaining international exposure. Sarawak's trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, along with a planned office in Pontianak, Indonesia, will serve as key gateways for regional and global market expansion.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
Awang Tengah (seated centre) in a group photo with guests and participants during the event. Also seen are Mussen (seated third right), Reezal (seated third left) and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government is actively pursuing value-added growth and is no longer focusing solely on raw commodity exports, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state is now laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports as part of a long-term strategy to build a more resilient and innovation-driven economy. 'We are investing in the future, which is in renewable energy, semiconductors and high-value sectors that will position Sarawak as a major economic force in the region. 'Our focus has thus shifted because we want to go beyond exporting crude oil, gas and palm oil,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. He added that Sarawak is poised to lead the country in green energy development, with active initiatives in hydropower, solar, biomass and hydrogen production. To support this ambition, Awang Tengah said the state has amended its Electricity Ordinance to allow greater investor participation in boosting generation capacity. 'We have set a clear target in which by 2030, we aim to generate at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and by 2035, 15,000 megawatts which will all be from clean and renewable sources,' he said. Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sarawak will be developed into a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace economic activities, reflecting the state's shift towards high-technology industries and global competitiveness. These sectors, he said, offer enormous potential, and Sarawak wants its local players to seize the opportunities and grow alongside global industry leaders. Commenting on investments, he said the state government's message is clear: investment is the cornerstone of Sarawak's future, not only to boost exports and gross domestic product but also to transform the economic landscape, drive technological advancement, and ensure inclusive prosperity for Sarawakians. 'Since 2021, Sarawak has approved over RM102 billion in investments involving 1,180 projects. These projects are expected to create nearly 23,000 job opportunities and open doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in supporting industries,' he said. To further boost global engagement, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is expanding its international trade network, adding that in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Brunei, a new trade office will soon open in Pontianak, Indonesia. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak and Matrade. Awang Tengah export lead sarawak value-added growth
