KUCHING: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg received a courtesy visit from the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials in conjunction with the First ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting of the year.

The courtesy visit aimed to express appreciation to the Sarawak Government for its cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as the host of the meeting which took place at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching from January 22 to 24.

MITI Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa said the courtesy call also discussed the state government's direction and strengths, including its focus on renewable energy and digitalisation initiatives, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

“The Premier of Sarawak shared the state's key priorities, which align with ASEAN's aspirations, particularly the transition to renewable energy and achieving economic equity among member states.

"This reflects the synergy between Sarawak's vision and this year’s ASEAN agenda," she said.

She spoke to reporters following the courtesy visit at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Friday.

She added that Sarawak, which is actively involved in green energy development, including hydrogen and other renewable energy sources, is expected to play a significant role in various economic discussions related to ASEAN's sustainability and digital progress agenda.

Also present during the courtesy visit were Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also received a courtesy visit from Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Anuar Fariz Fadzil.

The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation with agencies within Sarawak’s digital economy ecosystem and discuss ways to assist the Sarawak Government in attracting more digital investments as well as advancing digital infrastructure development. -UKASnews