KUCHING: The state government is giving an option to Brunei to participate directly in the development of hydroelectric projects in the state, particularly in Limbang and Lawas.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said this was part of efforts in enhancing greater economic cooperation between the state and Brunei.

“We are not only looking at them (Brunei) as our power consumer but we are also giving them an option to participate directly in our hydro electric projects in Limbang and Lawas,” he said at a media conference after attending a third bilateral meeting between the two parties here yesterday.

He said the ‘offer’ was in line with an agreement made between the two parties to enhance greater economic cooperation.

Awang Tengah said that the governments of Sarawak and Brunei had agreed to form a working group to facilitate economic cooperation between the two sides at the meeting yesterday.

He said the task of the working group was to look into ways to facilitate the implementation of various projects under five strategic areas of economic cooperation, one of which was energy.

“This meeting is a follow up to the first one held here on January 7, 2010 and the second one held in Bandar Seri Begawan from July 11 to 12 last year.

“Since the last two meetings, various projects under the five strategic areas for economic cooperation, namely energy, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture and halal hub, have been implemented. The meeting today (yesterday) discussed ways to facilitate the implementation of the projects.”

Awang Tengah said that besides energy, Sarawak was also looking at how to establish greater cooperation in the tourism sector with Brunei being an international hub for airlines.

“Since they have good international connectivity, we are seeking their cooperation to help promote our culture, adventure and nature (CAN) tourism products,” he said.

Awang Tengah was leading the Sarawak’s delegation while the 10-member delegation from Brunei was led by its Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng.

Lim, who also spoke to the media, said the meeting was essentially a follow up to the discussion between the Prime Minister and Brunei Sultan on economic cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei, focusing on Sabah and Sarawak being immediate neighbours.

“This is part and parcel of our efforts to increase the economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly with Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

He said the economic cooperation had been going on for quite sometime, with the private sectors from the two sides working together very closely and two-way trade between Sarawak and Brunei long established.


http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07/01/brunei-offered-higher-stake-in-hydro-projects/