KUCHING: A knowledge-sharing partnership between Sarawak and Ukraine is plausible – a viable possibility that can be explored further.
According to Ukraine Ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo, the areas that both sides can share expertise with one another are hydropower and education.
Moreover, he said his country had one of the oldest hydropower plants in the world – an attribute that could be of advantage to Sarawak.
“Our first hydropower plant was built in the 1920s. We believe that the knowledge of handling such a facility is vital and this (information) can be shared with other places like Sarawak,” he told reporters at a hotel here yesterday.
Nechytaylo also pointed out his home country as being an excellent destination for those pursuing overseas education.
“Among the things that we are looking to work out on is to promote Ukraine to Sarawakians, and vice versa (promoting Malaysia – specifically Sarawak – to Ukraine.”
It is reported that Ukraine has a population of about 45 million – making it the 32nd most populous country in the world.
Earlier Nechytaylo paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, where he was impressed by the latter’s vision for the state.
“Your chief minister is very ambitious and also committed to developing Sarawak. I believe that Ukraine can not only help, but also learn from Sarawak a few things.
“With him (Abang Johari) as chief minister, I see a bright future for Sarawak. I believe that the state is heading towards the right direction, especially its decision to adopt the digital economy policy.”
Nechytaylo was here for the three-day 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, which concluded yesterday.