KUCHING: The implementation of the Sarawak Trade Growth Strategy aims to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify markets and prepare more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for international trade.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that this strategy aims to enhance local exporters that continue to face challenges from rising logistics costs, changing trade policies, exchange-rate fluctuations and increasing global competition.
According to him, Sarawak remained Malaysia's fourth-largest exporting state, contributing 5.4 per cent of national exports.
“Our next task is to diversify markets and help SMEs overcome barriers in certification, financing, logistics and access to buyers.
“In this regard, my Ministry will implement the Sarawak Trade Growth Strategy to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify markets and prepare more SMEs for international trade.
“The Made in Sarawak Export Programme will complement these efforts by improving product quality, certification and branding to meet international market requirements,” he said.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Wednesday.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah noted that the Sarawak Government will strengthen trade promotion and business linkages through its offices in Singapore (STATOS) and Brunei (STATOB), working closely with MATRADE, MIDA and industry partners to connect Sarawak businesses with overseas buyers and commercial opportunities.
He added that this year, a delegation of 19 companies from the Singapore Business Federation visited Sarawak to explore business opportunities, while 28 Sarawak companies participated in business engagements with Brunei.
“Events such as the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026, Showcase Usahawan Sarawak and the Borneo Native Festival further strengthened efforts to promote local products, build business networks and expand market access.
“Building on these engagements, we will continue to facilitate business connections and follow-up opportunities to translate growing market interest into export orders, distribution agreements and long-term business partnerships, creating greater opportunities for Sarawak enterprises,” he said. -UKASnews
