Allan speaks at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 28): The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is stepping up efforts to help local entrepreneurs gain greater access to the Chinese market as part of its strategy to internationalise Sarawak products.
Its president Datuk Allan Keripin Nangkai said the Chinese government has offered the chamber a dedicated venue in China for members to showcase and market their products.
“The Chinese government has offered us a venue in China for our chamber members to do business and exhibit our products, just like what we are doing today, so that we can market them there.
“There is a big market and huge potential. We must tap into it because I believe it is an excellent opportunity for our people who want to scale up in the business world,” he said during the launch of the Cultural and Business Exhibition held in conjunction with the ‘17th Joint DCCI-Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026’ at the Dayak Chamber Tower here on Saturday.
The event was launched by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and bah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Allan said local entrepreneurs have demonstrated strong capabilities through various exhibitions, but the next priority is to expand their reach beyond domestic markets.
“As you can see from all these exhibitions we have organised, our entrepreneurs know what they are doing. What they need now is to move forward.
“To move forward, we basically have to find markets for them — not only locally, but also overseas,” he said.
He said DCCI is leveraging its long-standing partnership with KCCI to support this internationalisation effort through joint initiatives.
The two chambers previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with several components already implemented and others currently being developed.
According to Allan, these opportunities mark a significant milestone for indigenous entrepreneurs from Sarawak and Sabah to expand their businesses internationally.
“This is a big opportunity for both the Dayak and the Kadazandusun Chambers of Commerce to move forward,” he said.
