Nanta says the forum was held to promote and develop local entrepreneurs through a stronger commitment to stay true to its theme which was “Investing towards Sustainable Energy & Agro-Based Industry”. — Photo by Tang Song Wei
KUCHING: The development of downstream industries especially food processing in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will create higher value products for sale.
Subsequently, the commercialisation of the higher value products will enhance the agriculture sector and in turn increase the state’s gross domestic products (GDP) which will also boost Sarawak’s economy.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said today, Sarawak continues to grow its niche economic activities and resource-based industries.
“By prudently managing its natural resources and emphasising on more down-stream processing, Sarawak is ensuring higher value from these products.
“Industrialisation within SCORE will provide greater demand for agricultural inputs as downstream food processing activity expands.
“Strong global demand, together with on-going efforts to modernise and mechanise processing of food crops such as rice, fresh produce and spices should also contribute to sustained growth in these sectors,” he said in his speech during a dinner for the 4th Mara-Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement’s (Oisca) International Business Forum 2015 on Tuesday night.
He added Sarawak also plays a central role in Malaysia’s agriculture sector as a whole producing foodstuffs for local consumption and cash crops for export.
In the meantime, Nanta noted the forum was held to promote and develop local entrepreneurs through a stronger commitment to stay true to its theme which was “Investing towards Sustainable Energy & Agro-Based Industry”.
He added the business forum also provided a platform for the government, business, leading tinkers within academia and society to discuss ideas to strengthen economic cooperation, regional economic integration and business partnerships by reaping the benefits of globalisation.
“The forum also explores business and investment opportunities by providing a platform for networking and forming partnerships among the business community.
“It is aimed to provide a package for local entrepreneurs to equip themselves with knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial characteristics in accordance with current market needs and technological developments so that entrepreneurs are viable, competitive and resilient towards globalisation,” he pointed out.
Also present at the dinner were Oisca International executive vice president Toshihiro Nakano, Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (Mara) director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad, Kuching North City Commission Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai as well as delegates who attended the business forum.