Sarawak-China trade jumps to RM15.8b
State can also learn from country in digital economy transformation, says CM
TRADE between Sarawak and China stood at RM15.8 billion last year, with the state’s exports and imports hitting RM10.1 billion and RM5.7 billion, respectively.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg said the collaboration was in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum products, palm oil, timber products and electrical components, manufactured goods, machinery and food.
He said there were opportunities for the state to learn from China in its digital economy transformation.
“Small and medium industries need to benchmark or adopt a similar business model in order to be successful in e-commerce.
“With an online presence, the world is our market,” said Abang Johari at the Sarawak-China Business Forum, here, yesterday.
He said Sarawak was aiming for the digital economy to contribute 17.4 per cent to its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025.
Contribution of the digital economy to the GDP is expected to hit 2.3 per cent this year.
Abang Johari said China and Sarawak shared similar challenges in encouraging rural communities to adopt e-commerce.
“With higher penetration of mobile users, we need innovative solutions to reach the people in rural areas. We believe these are some of the areas that Sarawak and China can work together.”
He said other areas of cooperation were agriculture, tourism, health, education, construction of mega structures and e-commerce.
He said with China’s support and cooperation, Sarawak would be able to realise the transformation of its economy through digital economy initiatives.
The two-day forum, organised by Sarawak’s International Trade and e-Commerce Ministry with the support of the Consulate General People’s Republic of China office, aimed to be a platform for businessmen from China and Sarawak to exchange potential business ideas and proposals to spur future partnerships and collaborations.