Sarawak Eyes Hungary's Logistics Model To Power Northern Region Growth
BUDAPEST: Sarawak is looking to strengthen its logistics capabilities and regional connectivity by learning from Hungary's integrated logistics ecosystem during an official visit to the Budapest Intermodal Logistics Centre (BILK), one of Central Europe's key rail cargo and logistics hubs.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan led a delegation comprising senior government officials, agency heads and consultants involved in the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035 during the visit to the facility.
Welcoming the opportunity for knowledge exchange, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the delegation was keen to gain a deeper understanding of the centre's operations, particularly in rail cargo management, integrated terminal operations, warehousing, logistics coordination and safety management.
"We are especially interested in how an integrated logistics centre such as BILK combines rail, road, warehousing, distribution, cargo handling, terminal operations, customs-related processes and private sector participation into one efficient ecosystem," he said.
He explained that the facility's experience is highly relevant as Sarawak continues to strengthen its ports, airports, industrial areas, cross-border gateways, inland transport networks and regional supply chains to support future economic growth.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah highlighted that Sarawak, recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy, is pursuing its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to achieve sustainable economic growth driven by industry, renewable energy, digitalisation and high-value sectors.
He said renewable energy remains one of Sarawak's strongest advantages, with the state leveraging its hydropower resources while expanding investments in solar, biomass and hydrogen to position itself as a regional clean energy hub.
"This energy strength gives Sarawak a strategic advantage in attracting green investment, supporting industrial development, enabling the green economy, and strengthening our role as a future powerhouse within ASEAN," he said.
According to him, efficient logistics will play a critical role in supporting Sarawak's economic transformation, particularly as the state attracts investments in semiconductors, aerospace technology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging industries.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah added that insights gained from the visit would also contribute to the preparation of the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, which aims to strengthen logistics facilities, transport connectivity, border trade and industrial development in northern Sarawak.
He expressed hope that the visit would pave the way for future collaboration and knowledge exchange between Sarawak and Hungary in building a more connected, competitive and sustainable logistics ecosystem. -UKASnews
