KUCHING – Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda continues to attract international attention, with Japan’s Mizuho Bank expressing strong interest in collaborating on key initiatives to support the state’s green economy and renewable energy push.
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, today welcomed a delegation of senior executives from Mizuho Bank at his office in Kuching.
The visit centred on discussions about Mizuho Bank’s capabilities in financing and advisory services for global decarbonization projects. The bank highlighted its expertise in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, and other clean energy ventures, with an openness to extend similar support to Sarawak’s growth agenda.
Mr. Koichi Zaiki, Managing Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific, Mizuho Financial Group Inc. / Mizuho Bank Ltd., said the bank was keen to play a role in Sarawak’s transformation journey.
“We shared with the Premier about our work in decarbonization and our involvement in worldwide CCUS and hydrogen projects. We also expressed our willingness to contribute further to Sarawak’s development,” he said.
He added that Mizuho Bank is exploring opportunities to bring Japanese investors into Sarawak, with financing and advisory support to ensure projects are practical, bankable, and sustainable.
“In addition, we also discussed the potential to develop projects here in Sarawak and the possibility of forming partnerships with local banks to strengthen collaboration in the financial ecosystem,” Mr. Zaiki said.
The courtesy call underscored Mizuho Bank’s readiness to be a strategic partner in Sarawak’s push for sustainable growth, international investment promotion, and green economy initiatives.
The delegation included Mr. Toshiharu Fujiwara, Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Bank Malaysia; Mr. Shahriza bin Omar, Chief Sustainability Officer of Mizuho Bank Malaysia; Mr. Lim Jit Yang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Bank Malaysia; Mr. Yoshino Hiroshi, Managing Director of Industrial Research Department; and Mr. Mizuhiko Fujie, Head of Asia Pacific Sustainability. – Sarawakku