KUCHING – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, received a high-level French delegation today, signalling the state’s rising status as a premier hub for international capital.
The meeting, held at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya, focused on aligning French industrial expertise with Sarawak’s ambitious sustainable development goals.
The visiting delegation was led by the French Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Marc Abensour. The discussions underscored a mutual interest in transforming Sarawak into a strategic gateway for European enterprises looking to penetrate the broader ASEAN market.
Ambassador Abensour was accompanied by Bouthaina Harfi, the Deputy Economic Counsellor, and Thierry d’Anna, the Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs.
A primary theme of the dialogue was Sarawak’s transition toward a green economy. The French representatives identified renewable energy and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) as critical areas for immediate collaboration.
These sectors are central to Sarawak’s Strategy 2030, which aims to decarbonise the industrial sector while maintaining robust economic growth.
The maritime and aviation industries were also highlighted as fertile ground for partnership. With Sarawak expanding its logistics capabilities and exploring state-owned aviation ventures, French technical prowess in aerospace and marine engineering offers a logical fit for future joint ventures.
Furthermore, the discussions touched upon the oil and gas sector, encompassing both upstream exploration and downstream processing, where French firms have a long-standing global presence.
Education and skill acquisition formed another pillar of the talks. Both parties explored enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure the local workforce is prepared for the influx of high-technology jobs.
By integrating French educational frameworks with Sarawak’s training institutes, the state hopes to cultivate a highly skilled talent pool capable of supporting sophisticated industrial ecosystems.
The premier highlighted that Sarawak’s stable political environment and transparent investment policies serve as a bedrock for international confidence.
This predictability, combined with the state’s wealth of natural resources and strategic positioning on the island of Borneo, makes it an attractive destination for long-term project financing.
Also in attendance were several key state officials, including Dato Fenny Nuli, Regional Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Datu Awang Mohd Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Director of the Economic Planning Unit; and Dr. Ir. Ts. Angelia Liew San Chuen, Head of the Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit.
Their presence underscored the multidisciplinary approach Sarawak is taking to secure its place on the global economic stage.
