SEMATAN: The development of Anjung Usahawan Sematan and Sematan Industrial Park is expected to drive rural economic growth by creating more business, investment and employment opportunities for local communities.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the development of both facilities reflects the Sarawak Government's commitment to ensuring progress in trade, entrepreneurship and industry also benefits rural communities, rather than being concentrated solely in major urban areas.

According to him, Anjung Usahawan Sematan will not only provide space for food and beverage businesses but also has the potential to become a centre for entrepreneurial activities offering various services, product promotion opportunities and support facilities for local entrepreneurs.

He said the development of the facility alongside Sematan Industrial Park would create a more integrated economic ecosystem, enabling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their businesses and enhance their competitiveness.

He said this when speaking to officiate the Anjung Usahawan Sematan and Sematan Industrial Park here on Sunday.

The Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment said the state's industrial development must be pursued inclusively, taking into account the economic potential and needs of each division and district.

He explained that establishing industrial parks at the district level would also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in industrial supply chains, including supplying products and services to domestic and international investors.

He also encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the various financing facilities, business development assistance, graduate entrepreneurship programmes and digitalisation initiatives provided by the Sarawak Government.

According to him, adopting digital technology, improving product quality and packaging, developing food processing capabilities and implementing effective marketing strategies are crucial to enable local products reach wider markets, including internationally.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of entrepreneurship assistance under several Sarawak Government financing schemes and incentives aimed at strengthening the capabilities and competitiveness of local entrepreneurs.

These comprised funds totalling RM1.439 million under the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme, benefiting 33 recipients, as well as RM100,000 under the Small and Medium Industries Loan Scheme and RM10,000 through the GoDigital Sarawak initiative.

The assistance forms part of the Sarawak Government's efforts to expand access to financing, encourage business expansion and accelerate the adoption of digital technology among entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development potential of Sematan and Lundu, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said both areas possess strategic advantages in terms of their natural beauty, proximity to the international border and improving road connectivity.

He said these advantages should be leveraged to strengthen the tourism sector, attract international events and stimulate economic activities that directly benefit the locals.

He also highlighted the potential of hosting international sporting and tourism events in Sematan to attract more visitors, thereby stimulating growth in the local accommodation, food, transport and service sectors.

In this regard, he expressed hope that the business community would fully utilise the Anjung Usahawan Sematan and Sematan Industrial Park to ensure investments in these developments generate employment opportunities, increase incomes and strengthen the district's economy sustainably.

Also present were Tanjong Datu Assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, Advisor (PKS) at the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, MINTRED Permanent Secretary Datu Lester Matthew, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Abang Abdul Aziz Abang Draup and Lundu District Officer Zulkarnain Ismail. -UKASnews