State in need of Digital Free Trade Zones to succeed in e-commerce

KUCHING: The state needs to have its own Digital Free Trade Zone ( DFTZ) if it wants to succeed in becoming an e- commerce hub.

According to Assistant Minister of E- Commerce Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, a DFTZ is needed to encourage the export of more local products from Sarawak..

The state DFTZ should be modelled after the nation’s DFTZ set up in March last year, which is a commerce platform to encourage more SMEs to export their products and create more jobs.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Naroden said with the DFTZ Sarawak could have within its control declaration, clearance, logistics and deliveries of the products.

He added the DFTZs could be set in major industrial areas such as Samajaya High Tech Park, Samalaju in Bintulu or Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.

“Maybe my recommendation is too ambitious but this is now a global phenomenon. DFTZs should be created in industrial areas because they have proven to be effective in attracting foreign investors.

“This will help the local businesses to compete globally too. DFTZ will also help smaller companies to become global players in the long run,” he said, adding that collection centres could also be set up at airports and seaports across the state.

SMEs and Micro entreprises currently contribute 37 per cent to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is why the government is keen to establish more DFTZs in the country, he added.

Naroden was in Bintulu on Tuesday to officiate at the opening of E- Commerce workshop for youths there.

It was organised by the Ministry of International Trade and ECommerce.