Abdul Karim (second left) exchanging souvenirs with Gao during the welcoming dinner. Looking on are Liu (left) and Abang Johari (second right).
KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to work together with the Yunnan Province of China in the fields of tourism and agro-technology, said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at a welcoming dinner held by Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) for Yunnan Province Vice-Governor Gao Shuxun and his delegation, Abang Johari expressed admiration for the Kunming Stone Forest, as well as the province’s advances in plant and botany technology.
He pointed out that these were the areas where they could explore cooperation.
“You have a good branding in the stone forest design. We want to learn from you so we can transform our Wind Cave and limestone forest of Sarawak. I will send my officers to study with you on your design,” he said, after outlining the many similarities between Sarawak and Yunnan Province.
Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister and Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president, said a lot of knowledge was exchanged during the delegation’s visit to Sarawak Biodiversity Centre on how to develop the state’s plant technology and agriculture.
“As president of Saberkas, I have a laboratory to do research on agriculture, using high technology to produce fruits and flowers. I think this is the area where we can do research on bio-technology together.”
He added that he would visit Yunnan Province in October and hoped that Gao could identify agencies to work with Sarawak on the areas that he identified.
Earlier on, Gao invited Sarawak to participate in the 23rd China Kunming Import and Export Fair from June 6 to 10.
The dinner was also attended by SCCI president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and Consul-General of the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China, Liu Quan.