Uggah (third right) with (from right) Sagah and Dr Abdul Rahman seen admiring a hand-painted artwork presented by Guo.
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has suggested the setting up of a joint committee by Sarawak government and China’s Fujian Provincial Government on collaboration to further enhance the development of the state’s agriculture sector.
He made the suggestion in response to offers by Fujian Vice-Governor Guo Ningning during a courtesy call on him by her and her 11-member delegation here Friday evening.
Guo had earlier made three proposals to Sarawak where the Fujian Province could assist in the promotion of stronger ties between the two governments.
She said her province had much to share in the agricultural sector.
Sarawak, she said, has the land while Fujian has the technology, experience and the expertise.
“Besides agriculture, we can explore possible collaboration in mining, marine fishery, tourism, education, cultural and construction sectors.
“We can encourage investments into Sarawak,” she said.
Guo added her govermment had also proposed the setting up of ‘long term and effective communication mechanism’ between the two governments.
“We can have the top leaders of our respective governments as the group leaders of this mixed committee. Then we can have the venue to share information, policies and programmes.”
She also said trade groups could visit each other’s countries to explore opportunities for investment and co-operation purposes. For the third proposal, she said Fujian was keen on establishing more sister city relationships between other cities in her province and cities and towns in Sarawak.
“We have now such relationship with the Kuching City North,” she said. Sarawak, according to Guo, is located in a very strategic central position on the Maritime Silk Route.
“There were still strong ties and similarities between her people and the Chinese in the state. This was because almost half of their forefathers had originated from her province in the old days,” she added. Guo also said her government would soon provide ten scholarships to enable young officers and students in the state to further their studies in Fujian universities.
Meanwhile, Uggah who is the Minister for the Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said Sarawak was now in the active process of transforming its agricultural sector. He added Sarawak too would like Xiamen Airline to spread its wings to the state to help develop and promote its tourism sector to the China market.
“I will convey and discuss your proposals with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. We certainly would want a win-win situation for both governments,” Uggah said. Also present were Assistant Minister of Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah and Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.