Brunei Ruler Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (right) speaking to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Brunei on Wednesday (Jan 25). - Photo: Bernama
KUCHING: Sarawak will set up a trade and tourism office in Brunei to strengthen economic ties with the neighbouring country, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said the office would be opened in Bandar Seri Begawan this year after the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah approved it.
"I just came back from Brunei, where we had a good meeting. We are going to enhance bilateral economic cooperation between Brunei and Malaysia and the key is Sarawak.
"I hope the Miri folk can work with the trade office," he said at a Chinese New Year hosted by the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) in Miri on Wednesday (Jan 25) night.
Abang Johari was part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's delegation on a two-day visit to Brunei which ended on Wednesday.
He said Sarawak would work with Brunei in areas such as renewable energy, tourism and halal food.
"There will be a proposed hydro plant between Brunei and Lawas.
"Our CIQ (customs, immigration and quarantine complex) at Sungai Tujuh will be upgraded to facilitate free flow of trade and business between Miri and Brunei," he said.
Abang Johari also urged Miri folk to venture into smart agriculture to produce food for the halal market.
"Brunei has certification to establish products as halal for the Middle East.
"With our trade office as the contact point, together with the Brunei government we can extend our products to the world market," he said.
