NANJING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a leading green economy hub in the ASEAN region, with projected investment potential reaching USD7 billion, or around RM20 billion, expected to flow into the state over the next 10 years through strategic collaborations with international industry players.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said this investment potential is being driven by the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), China Jiangsu International Economic Technology Cooperation Group Ltd. (CJI), and seven major companies from China that have expressed their commitment to participating in the development of the Kuching Low Carbon Hub (KLCH).

He said the keen interest shown by these companies demonstrates their confidence in KLCH’s potential as a globally connected low-carbon industrial hub.

“Today, seven MoUs were also signed between various companies within the green economy sector. Over the next 10 years, these agreements are projected to bring in investment potential worth USD7 billion, equivalent to roughly RM20 billion.

“Such a significant level of investment will create many new job opportunities, especially high-skilled positions, which aligns with our efforts to raise household income,” he said.

He was speaking during a press conference after witnessing the signing of the Framework Agreement between PETROS and CJI, followed by the signing of the seven MoUs between PETROS, CJI, and the seven Chinese investment companies at CJI’s Headquarters on Thursday.

The Premier added that the injection of USD7 billion into the state economy would also boost Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supporting the target of achieving RM282 billion in GDP by 2030.

“With these investments, along with others currently entering or expected to enter Sarawak, I am confident we can achieve this target,” he said.

He went on to explain that a key aspect of the cooperation between PETROS and CJI involves human capital development.

This collaboration includes knowledge transfer, technical training, and the development of local talent through industrial training programmes and education-based joint ventures.

“We know that the Jiangsu region has a wide range of advanced technical expertise.

“This is where we can work together in the field of education. For example, we are now providing free education for Sarawakian students.

“Perhaps in their third year of study, they can be sent here as industrial trainees. When these industries eventually operate in Sarawak, they will be able to absorb these students as technical personnel. This will bring tremendous benefits to Sarawak,” he added.

Among those present at the event were, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki, PETROS Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Hamid BugoPETROS, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato Janin Girie, CJI Chairman, Song Qinbo and CJI President, Zhu Xingbao. -UKASnews

Reporter: Muller Asen
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Muller Asen