Sarawak: Sarawak has strong potential to become a regional trade hub through a more intensive implementation of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) model, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, highlighted Sarawak’s opportunity to learn from Jebel Ali’s success in the United Arab Emirates. The integration of a modern port with a FTZ in Jebel Ali has attracted over 11,000 companies worldwide and now contributes to 36 percent of Dubai’s GDP.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak government is rolling out the Sarawak Ports Master Plan. This visionary initiative seeks to transform the state’s ports into engines of economic growth, positioning Sarawak as the gateway to Borneo, the wider region, and the global market. The plan aims to establish a modern, efficient, and integrated port system that is internationally competitive and fully aligned with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

The transformation will be driven by four key pillars: streamlining governance, modernizing and developing port and FTZ infrastructure, driving economic diversification, and enhancing regional and global connectivity. Uggah emphasized this during the winding-up session for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.

Uggah described the Sarawak Ports Master Plan as a historic, transformative initiative that positions Sarawak as a key player in global trade and logistics. He stated that this is more than just a development blueprint; it is a game changer for Sarawak’s economic trajectory, laying the foundation for sustainable growth beyond reliance on natural resources. By strengthening port infrastructure and connectivity, new opportunities for businesses will be created, empowering local industries and opening Sarawak to the world.