KUCHING: Sarawak has reached a new milestone in its international trade relations, recording an export value of RM3.59 billion to Brunei in 2023, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit said.
This announcement came from Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, highlighting the significant contribution of three main commodities to this achievement.
The bulk of these exports comprised oil, plastic goods, and machinery equipment, marking a diversified trade portfolio between the two neighbouring regions. This statement was made following a meeting with Brunei Darussalam's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin, at the Wisma Sumber Alam in Kuching.
Sarawak's trade with Brunei Darussalam saw a notable increase of 23.8 per cent in 2023, reaching a total of RM3.76 billion, up from RM3.04 billion in 2022. Such growth underscores the strengthening economic ties and potential for future collaboration between Sarawak and Brunei.
In a strategic move to further enhance these relations, the Sarawak government plans to establish the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei. Expected to commence operations within the year, the office aims to boost collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and small and medium enterprises.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah expressed optimism for increased partnerships at various levels, emphasising the mutual benefits of closer cooperation between Brunei and Sarawak.