KOTA KINABALU: : Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd is set to enhance its bilateral trade and technical assistance to improve port efficiency with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia Port Corporation (IPC).
Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd Managing Director cum Suria Capital Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Ng Kiat Min said Sabah Ports is eager to utilise the framework to discuss how both parties can leverage on each other’s strengths and move forward with synergy.
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“Indonesia is Malaysia’s closest and most important neighbouring country. Both countries have enjoyed strong economic ties,” she said during the MoU signing ceremony, here, Thursday.
She added, Sabah, in particular, has a rich and long standing history in cross border trade particularly in palm oil and timber, transhipment and barter trade.
“As the far sighted decision of President Jokowi to move Indonesia’s capital to East Kalimantan takes root, the island of Borneo which is shared between Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, will undeniably be impacted for the better.
“Tawau and Kalimantan are neighbours and potentials in this Greenfield area, which covers close to 16 million inhabitants, is immense. Therefore, this MoU comes at a most opportune time.”
Sister port relationships, she said, are important to strengthen trade and development.
“Sabah Ports is eager to learn of IPC’s expertise in the field of port management and operations as well as exploring ways to facilitate trade between Sabah, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“We are also keen to align ourselves towards digital transformation, an area which I believe IPC has much experience and expertise to share.
“Over the years, we have learnt of IPCs many programmes of cooperation and long standing friendships with global and respected port operators and I feel privileged that IPC has agreed to collaborate with Sabah Ports.
“IPC’s grand plan to transform its harbours into ‘world-class’ shipping terminals by 2025 is truly reflective of IPC progressive culture and inclination towards innovation.
“Alike IPC, Sabah Ports aspires to be a port driven by change and innovation.
“Sabah Ports is committed to bring port development and growth across its eight ports in Sabah,” she said.
IPC Group Director-General Elvyn Masassya said the sister port mechanism will cover three aspects.
“The first one is to promote and explore business potential to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation, while the second one is to exchange information on port development and the purpose of improving port efficiency.
“It also aims to strengthen employee capacity through training programme and apprenticeship.”
Signing the MoU was Ng and Elvyn, while Kota Kinabalu Indonesian Consul-General Krishna Djelani acted as witnesses.
