KUCHING: The Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) wants the recently proposed Borneo Economic Council to be action-oriented and outcome-based to resolve some long-standing issues.
Its secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai hoped the council could address some problems promptly, such as the trade restrictions imposed at the Entikong and Tebedu border which had adversely affected bilateral trade between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
Speaking to the New Sarawak Tribune today, he said, the proposal was initiated by Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Arsjad Rasjid during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Asean Business Council Roundtable Meeting on Borneo held in Brunei recently.
The proposed council would be set up with membership comprising representatives from Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah), Brunei and Kalimantan, including the heads of governments and representatives from the business community from various territories of the Borneo Island, to strengthen regional cooperation in this region.
“Personally, I am also very much in favour of the council as well as other proposals put forward by Arsjid Rasjid, including the development of infrastructure by investing in cross-border transportation and logistics infrastructure, and encouraging public and private infrastructure investments by offering incentives,” he said.
“It is also deemed a timely proposal in view of the impending relocation of the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan and the move is much needed to address issues and challenges encountered by the private sector and the business community in the enlarged regional economy as anticipated,” he added.
Apart from that, Chai said Arsjad also touched on trade and investment enhancement by simplifying cross-border trade regulations and harmonising customs procedures to promote economic integration.
“We are also looking into the promotion of sustainable development by promoting eco-friendly policies and practices to ensure the long-term viability of the region’s natural resources which include sustainable forestry, eco-tourism and renewable energy initiatives.
In addition, he said, it is necessary to further diversify the economy by expanding into new industries such as technology, renewable energy and eco-tourism to create jobs and reduce reliance on traditional industries like oil and gas.
