Pontianak (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Kubu Raya District is seeking to deepen economic ties with Malaysia’s Sarawak through cooperation in trade, entrepreneurship and halal industries, the district's head, Sujiwo, said during a visit to Kuching.“We hope this cooperation will move beyond meetings and produce concrete actions that benefit Kubu Raya,” Sujiwo said at a reception hosted by Indonesia’s Consulate General in Kuching.The visit coincided with Sujiwo’s participation in the Borneo International Halal Showcase 2026, held at the invitation of Sarawak’s Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment.The July 21-23 forum aims to help Kubu Raya District in West Kalimantan Province expand market access, explore investment opportunities and build business partnerships with Sarawak and other regional stakeholders.Sujiwo said the forum offers Kubu Raya an opportunity to promote local products while exploring investment and business cooperation with Sarawak and other participating regions.Future cooperation could focus on entrepreneurship, trade and the halal industry, which continues to offer significant growth opportunities in regional markets, he said.Sujiwo instructed government agencies accompanying him to immediately follow up on cooperation opportunities identified during the forum.“Relevant agencies must take concrete follow-up actions. Cooperation should not stop at ceremonial events,” he said.Every official meeting and working visit should produce tangible outcomes that support regional development and improve public welfare, Sujiwo said.Strengthening economic ties with Sarawak is strategically important because of its proximity and accessibility, making the Malaysian state a potential gateway for Kubu Raya products.The partnership could create broader opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local businesses to increase production, expand marketing networks and enter regional markets.Sujiwo said he hoped participation in the Sarawak forum would lead to mutually beneficial cooperation.The Kubu Raya administration will continue pursuing productive partnerships with Sarawak and other stakeholders to strengthen the regional economy and create opportunities for local communities, he said.