ECER Projects For Terengganu On Track

May 03, 2009 21:35 PM

ECER Projects For Terengganu On Track

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) projects for Terengganu spanning tourism, manufacturing, petrochemical and agriculture industries are on track with the majority of them due to commence by year end.

ECER Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said infrastructure facilities for the projects had begun and that the ECER was collaborating closely with state governments to attract investors.

He said ECERDC officials had just returned from an investment mission to Europe with state officials, which focused on high growth areas such as tourism, manufacturing and the halal industry that would create employment.

"Work on 21 projects began in 2008, 11 more will start by mid year, another 10 before year end while the two final projects will take off next year," he said in a statement here today.

He added the ECER projects in Terengganu were gaining traction.

"Kertih Plastics Park, the country's first fully integrated plastics park is expected to be fully operational in 2015, attracting RM2 billion worth of investments and creating more than 7,000 jobs," he said.

On the manufacturing sector, Issace John said Kemaman would be developed as the state's heavy industry park with integrated facilities which include designated areas for manufacturing, boat building and repairs and free zones.

ECER has also adopted a farm-to-table model for its agriculture programmes which encompass cultivating seeds to farming, processing, packaging and marketing both locally and internationally, he said.

Issace John added that ECER was collaborating with various government agencies to conduct seminars and trainings to increase Bumiputera participation in commercial and industrial initiatives.

"Among the initiatives lined up for implementation this year include a collaboration with Perbadanan Nasional Berhad to introduce a franchise development programme to cultivate at least 50 franchises in Terengganu," he said.

-- BERNAMA