Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is teaming up with China Jiangsu International Technology Corp Group Ltd (CJI) to develop the Kuching Low Carbon Hub (KLCH).
State-owned Petros inked a framework agreement with CJI on KLCH, and memoranda of understanding with seven other major Chinese companies in the green-economy sector in Nanjing, China, last Thursday.
The interest shown by the companies reflects a growing confidence in the potential of KLCH as a globally connected low-carbon industrial centre, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit in the Sarawak Premier’s Department said in a statement.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the partnership between Petros, CJI and the other Chinese firms had the potential to attract up to US$7bil or about RM28.7bil in green-economy investments over the next decade.
“The investment inflows driven by the development of the KLCH will significantly strengthen Sarawak’s economy.
“The capital injection into our economy will also elevate our gross domestic product, along with other investments coming into Sarawak. This level of investment will create many high-skilled job opportunities and will help raise the income levels of our households,” he said after the signing ceremony.
Also present at the ceremony were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Petros chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo, and its group chief executive officer Datuk Janin Girie, and CJI chairman Song Qinbo and president Zhu Xingbao.
Abang Johari said KLCH was designed to attract industries seeking low-carbon and green-energy solutions supported by Sarawak’s strength in natural gas, water resources, renewable hydropower, and potential for carbon storage.
“These strengths make Sarawak a competitive destination for global industry players that require low-carbon or green products, especially those targeting markets in Asean, East Asia and beyond,” Abang Johari said.
