Sarawak and New Zealand are set to strengthen their agricultural ties following a high-level meeting in Wellington between Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and New Zealand Minister Andrew Hoggard.
The discussions focused on collaboration in agricultural innovation, veterinary training, dairy industry development, and biosecurity enhancement. This engagement signals Sarawak’s commitment to modernizing its livestock sector, boosting dairy production, and adopting international best practices to ensure a safe, sustainable, and competitive food industry by 2030.
（Key Points Summary）
Meeting held in Wellington between Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and New Zealand Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Focus of cooperation: agricultural innovation, veterinary training, dairy industry development, and biosecurity enhancement.
Sarawak’s goals:
• Strengthen cattle industry development via knowledge exchange and modern breeding systems.
• Improve feedlot operations and livestock traceability.
• Send veterinary officers to New Zealand for professional training and technical attachments.
Dairy sector collaboration:
• Explore partnerships, technology sharing, and joint ventures with New Zealand producers.
• Since live-cattle exports are restricted, Sarawak may import bovine semen to boost breeding quality and herd expansion.
Biosecurity interest:
• Study New Zealand’s border control systems, disease-surveillance networks, and emergency-response mechanisms.
• Apply these insights to enhance Sarawak’s veterinary preparedness and food-safety infrastructure.
Technical briefings attended at New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on:
• Food-safety regulation
• Halal Assurance System
• Animal Health Surveillance Programme
Outcome:
• Engagement marks a step towards long-term cooperation in livestock research, dairy investment, capacity-building, and biosecurity management.
• Supports Sarawak’s goal of becoming a clean and competitive food-producing state by 2030.
