KUCHING: Sarawak will work with strategic partners such as financial institutions towards achieving developed, high-income status by 2030, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

The Premier said Sarawak aimed to nearly double its gross domestic product (GDP) from RM146bil in 2022 to RM282bil by 2030.

"We can reach this target with a complete ecosystem in place to be a catalyst for economic development.

"As such, we are ready to work with strategic partners for the benefit of the people," he said at Affin Group's Raya open house here on Wednesday (May 8).

His speech was read by state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abang Johari welcomed initiatives by financial institutions such as Affin Group to boost the financial sector in Sarawak.

He also commended the group's commitment to expand its products and services in the state to serve the banking needs of the community, enterprises, corporate sector and investors.

"This is in line with the state government's efforts to stimulate the business and entrepreneurial sectors.

"I hope Affin Group will continue to widen its services in Sarawak so that everyone, including the low-income group and small traders, can have access to innovative financial products and services," he said.

Meanwhile, Affin Bank Bhd group CEO Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the bank planned to expand its presence in Sarawak with eight to 10 new branches.

Affin Bank currently had six branches in the state.

"To strengthen our presence in Sarawak, we will expand our network of branches, including a triple banking branch comprising Affin Bank, Affin Islamic and Affin Hwang Investment Bank at Northbank in Kuching which just opened last month.

"The Northbank branch is like a financial supermarket which provides various banking products and services under one roof," he said.

Wan Razly added that another new branch would open in Bintulu in August, while a mobile financial centre was expected to start operating by the end of this month.

"These initiatives show our commitment towards unrivalled customer service," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/08/strategic-partners-will-help-sarawak-reach-high-income-status-by-2030-says-abang-jo