Sarawak unveils tourism office in SG, eyes 30% increase in trade

The Sarawak State Government has increased its footprint in Singapore with the launch of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS). The office will serve as a one-stop centre for investment and businesses, as well as tourism players in Singapore to know more about Sarawak. It will also be the hub of communication between exporters and importers from Sarawak and business communities in Singapore.STATOS is one of the strategies undertaken by the government to explore the global market, bring in more investments, promote trade and attract more tourists to Sarawak. In 2018, the state’s total export to Singapore was RM1.2 billion, while the total import was RM1.6 billion. The major items traded between Sarawak and Singapore were machinery and transport equipment, mineral fuels, lubricants and food.CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Puan Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh, said STATOS will be used to push the state’s tourism marketing and promotional efforts with tourism industry players through meetings, conferences and exhibitions on opportunities available in the Sarawak tourism industry.The new office will also be able to facilitate and boost the state’s tourism through several ways. One of the ways includes gaining a better understanding on tourists’ preferences and expenditure patterns in Singapore.“This will enable the formulation of innovative product packages, attractive incentives, facilitate engagement with travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hotels, restaurant and tour guides to meet tourist requirements,” she said.Sarawak’s chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that with STATOS, the state’s trade with Singapore is expected to increase by 30% for the 2019 to 2020 period.“We are confident that investment in the island republic would give Sarawak’s economy a push as Singapore is a global trading hub. STATOS will reestablish and enhance our historical trade with Singapore as we have been doing trade since the Rajah’s time,” he said.(Photo courtesy: 123RF)