We have BIMP-EAGA which is sub-regional economic co-operation initiative. Sabah and Sarawak may lose out due to several reasons in this economic initiative. They can be lost within this big group of nations.
In addition to BIMP-EAGA, an Association of Borneo Nations (ABN) comprising of Sarawak and Sabah of the Federation of Malaysia, Kalimantan of the Republic of Indonesia and Brunei can be another vehicle, albeit smaller, for the mutual economic development of the entire span of the island of Borneo.
This can be a reality with the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway (Trans-Borneo Highway). The Indonesian side of the Pan-Borneo Highway is the Trans-Kalimantan Highway going all the way to Pontianak / Banjermasin.
As the population of the entire region increases so will the economic opportunities. The state of things are expected to go from good to better. For example, one potential area of co-operation is in tourism development.
Discussion on economic co-operation between the three regions belonging to three different countries has to be initiated soon to take advantage of upcoming economic opportunities. Increase in economic activities will open other opportunities for people living in the region and other kind of development around the entire region.
Just as in the case of ASEAN, members can form the ABN Economic Community. Malaysian businesses can then take advantage of the opportunities available within this community.
Let the discussion start soon.
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