International City Cooperation Strengthens Sarawak's Development Agenda
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen international city cooperation as a strategy to expand opportunities for economic growth, talent development, innovation, and sustainability in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said that cooperation between local governments enables cities to share experiences, best practices, and expand collaboration across various strategic sectors, including economic development, tourism, education, culture, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
“Through cooperation between local governments, our cities have the opportunity to share experiences and best practices as well as strengthen collaboration in economic development, tourism, education, culture, environmental sustainability, and innovation,” he said.
He said this when officiating the International Friendship Cities Night in conjunction with the Kuching Festival 2026, at the Kuching South City Council Theatre on Friday.
He said that this approach complements the implementation of PCDS 2030, which emphasizes international cooperation, economic growth, human capital development, and sustainable development, thereby opening up more opportunities for the business sector and Sarawak's younger generation.
According to him, relationships forged through city cooperation not only strengthen mutual understanding among diverse global communities, but also serve as a platform to broaden the exchange of ideas, culture, and mutually beneficial development opportunities.
Datuk Amar Dr Sim also welcomed the presence of delegations, city leaders, and cultural groups from Quanzhou and Zhengzhou, China, Japan, and South Korea, describing their participation as proof of the continuously strengthened friendly relations between Sarawak and cities across the Asian region.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for continuing to strengthen its international cooperation network, earning Kuching global recognition, including as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and a strategic partner to various cities in Asia and beyond.
He hoped that the friendly ties established would continue to be reinforced to create more collaborative opportunities that contribute to shared prosperity, peace, and mutual development among the participating cities.
Also present were the Mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Dato Wee Hong Seng, and Deputy Mayor of MBKS, Dato Zaiedi Suhaili. — UKASnews
