Metro

Tuesday June 2, 2009

Chan: Sarawak business sector getting more tough


MIRI: Business communities involved in the retail, service, manufacturing and tourism sectors in Sarawak have been warned to expect tougher competition from within and from neighbouring states.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the business market had opened up considerably in the past few years and was expected to continue opening and liberalising in the coming years.

“Competition is getting tougher. Business folks in Sarawak must prepare themselves and their companies to meet the challenges.

“In Miri, there are some 30 goldsmiths shops. Previously, there were only one or two big ones. Business folks have to fight hard to earn their share of the market as the economy expands and more businesses spring up all over the place.

“We face stiff competition from Brunei and Sabah especially in the tourism sector. We must think hard about how to keep ahead of our competitors or we will lose our customers,’’ he said recently at the Sarawak United People’s Party office here.

Dr Chan, who is State Industrial Development Minister and State Agriculture Modernisation Minister, said the state expected the economy to pick up soon.

The downturn had not affected Sarawak too much, but the state was cautious about the outlook, especially in the tourism sector, he added.

“Foreign tourists have become very conscious about their expenditure, especially the budget tourists. They limit spending and prefer to visit many places within a short time.

“Singaporeans are also looking at short-haul holidays in nearby destinations,” he said.

“We will have more budget airlines flying into the state offering cheaper fares and better connectivity. Hopefully, this will boost tourism income and spur spin-offs benefits for other sectors like hotel, food and transportation,’’ he said.

Asked about the proposed direct flights between Singapore and Miri, Dr Chan said that negotiations were pending with several low-costs airlines, including those based in Singapore.

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