KOTA KINABALU: Cargo volume and shipping logistics efficiency between Sabah and Indonesia is expected to increase with the signing of a port collaboration agreement (PCA) between POIC Sdn Bhd and Indonesia Port Corporation (Pelindo II), Thursday.
The agreement was signed by POIC CEO, Datuk Dr Pang Teck Wai and Pelindo II President/Director Elvyn G Masassya and witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau at POIC’s office at Wisma Perindustrian.
Tangau congratulates both parties for recognising the potential in ports cooperation for mutual gains and initiating a collaboration agreement that could have many far-reaching impact on many fronts in the region.
Tangau said he was confident that the collaboration will lead to POIC Lahad Datu port becoming a key component as both two countries work towards developing the Lombok-Makassar shipping route.
“For POIC Lahad Datu, we are attracted to the principals of facili-trade. This is a port that facilitate industry and trade. That is why it is one of the ports in the state where it is managed by a government-owned company which also manages the POIC Lahad Datu Industrial Park.
He said the agreement represents a strategic cooperation for both parties.
“We also aware of the steps by the Indonesian government to move its capital to East Kalimantan. For Sabah this is something that is most welcome. We see many new opportunities for economic development for both sides.
“For POIC, we want a close relationship between Sabah and Kalimantan to develop the Lombok Makasar Straits whose potential can be considered a “sleeping giant” of trade.
If we can develop this, I am confident that economic, trade and industrial activity along the Lombok–Makassar Straits can be realised,” he said, adding that the first ship is expected arrive at the POIC port (from Indonesia under the PCA) on Sept 4.
Elvyn said the agreement was for cooperation in various fields, including possibility joint investment, management of the terminal and matters of trade and industry between both countries.
He said Pelindo sees the ports in Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak as having a big potential to be developed further as integrated ports.
“We hope that from the cooperation will result in a mutual benefit for both countries.”
