Awang Tengah presents a gift to Shaanxi Province Department of Commerce deputy director Li Shengrong (front fourth right). From front right are Baya, Naroden, Julaihi, Liaw and Sarudu. Ismawi is behind Julaihi.
XI’AN, China: Companies here have shown interest in exploring investment and manufacturing opportunities in Sarawak.
Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is currently leading a 10-day investment and promotion mission to China.
During a presentation here on Monday, the team highlighted points of interest such as tax incentives, opportunities, legal infrastructure and the state’s industrialisation drive, which would be attractive for their overseas expansion plans.
“We are ever-ready to assist you. You can even call me directly if you need any assistance and Sarawak has an efficient government delivery machinery in place as reflected in LONGi’s (Xi’an LONGi Silicon Materials Corp) confidence to invest in our state,” he said during a meeting with Shaanxi Province’s Department of Commerce senior officials, business and industry leaders facilitated by LONGi board chairman Zhong Baoshen.
Awang Tengah pointed out that Sarawak is strategically located in Asean region and would be an ideal base to serve the region of 625 million people, with good communication infrastructure and ports.
He said Sarawak is also a familiar investment and business destination among Chinese companies.
LONGi, a leading global solar-grade mono-crystalline silicon producer, has invested over RM1 billion in setting up the world’s first integrated solar plant in a single site at Sama Jaya High-Tech Park, creating 2,360 jobs for Sarawakians.
Zhong said the plant is targeted to be ready within five months.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak delegation also visited LONGi’s manufacturing plants and Irico Group New Energy Co Ltd’s photovoltaic glass factory under Chai Hong Group at Xian Yang in Xi’an.
Among those in the delegation are Assistant Minister for Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister for Entrepreneurship Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister for Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ismawi Ismuni, Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Investment and Promotion permanent secretary Datu Liaw Soon Eng, Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Datu Sarudu Hoklai.
The Sarawak delegation visits the Irico photovoltaic glass manufacturing plant. Awang Tengah is at front third right.