ECER draws RM9b
By ROZIANA HAMSAWI
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Investments in first quarter almost meet 2012 target of RM10b, says Najib
PUTRAJAYA:THE East Coast Economic Region (ECER) attracted 12 investments totalling more than RM9 billion in the first quarter of this year, close to meeting its full-year target of RM10 billion.
Nine of these projects, valued at RM9
billion, were announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
They comprised two projects worth RM5.5 billion in Johor, five projects worth RM2 billion in Pahang, a RM1 billion project in Terengganu and a RM500 million project in Kelantan.
Earlier this year, three investments worth RM363 million had been approved.
Najib, in a statement issued after chairing the ECER development council meeting here yesterday, said the 12 investments were expected to create 20,000 jobs.
They will contribute an estimated RM6 billion to the gross national income by 2020.
“This is a positive start to the year and I am confident ECER will be able to exceed its RM10 billion investment target for 2012,” Najib said.
ECER development council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said based on these new investments, its 2012
target would be revised to RM15 billion.
Up till December last year, ECER had attracted RM20.9 billion in investments, creating more than 27,000 jobs.
To date, the government has invested RM2 billion on infrastructure development in ECER to support the private investments.
Najib, who is also ECER development council chairman, said the scale of these latest investments was an endorsement of ECER’s competitiveness in attracting investors.
Of the RM9 billion investments, 70 per cent will be in ECER’s tourism cluster and the rest in aquaculture, manufacturing and education sectors. All the projects are expected to be implemented this year.
“I am proud to note that the bulk of these investments are from Malaysian companies. This proves that there is still capacity for more local companies to invest domestically,” Najib added.
Leading the investments were Radiant Starfish Development Bhd, which will invest RM4.2 billion in developing an integrated
ecotourism resort to be called Mersing Laguna, on 809ha off the coast of Mersing, Johor.
The project is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year and provide 12,600 jobs by 2014. Half of the investment will go towards land reclamation and infrastructure.
The town of Mersing will also see a RM1 billion resort town to be developed on 142ha by Johor Corp’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd.
Work on developing the Tanjung Leman Integrated Resort and Coastal Township will commence in the second half of this year, to be completed in 2022.
Another investor, Encorp Bhd, will spend RM1.3 billion to develop an integrated tourism resort and international golf course on 404ha in Cherating, Pahang.
The aquaculture sector in the ECER, meanwhile, will see the development of integrated shrimp farms in Marang, Terengganu, and Rompin, Pahang.
The one in Marang is a joint venture project between Ocean Aquatic Marine (M) Sdn Bhd and China’s Zhangjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd, with both parties investing RM1 billion over a five-year period. The project will start by July.
Andaman Sea Foods Sdn Bhd is investing RM225 million in a 800ha shrimp farm in Rompin. It will take off by year-end.
Read more: ECER draws RM9b - Top News - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/ecer-draws-rm9b-1.53438#ixzz1nj8Xd7lP
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop
From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop
By M. HAMZAH JAMALUDIN
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Read more: From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/from-cleaner-to-proud-owner-of-cake-shop-1.47867#ixzz1nj5SJRzb
No looking back for mum of two after joining East Coast Economic Region empowerment programme for traders
Fazlinawati Abdul showing the products sold at her Qaseh Alina bakery in Kampung Telamin, near Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Pic courtesy of ECER Secretariat
KUALA LIPIS: FAZLINAWATI Abdul, who used to sell kuih from house to house in her village, never dreamt that one day she would be able to have her own bakery.
Thanks to the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) empowerment programme, she is now the proud owner of Qaseh Alina, the first bakery in Kampung Telamin, near here.
The shop sells various types of cakes, including Swiss rolls, banana and cheese cakes.
Fazlinawati's success has made her a role model for the ECER empowerment programme, which was introduced to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, increase the income of participants and boost the academic achievements of students in the east coast.
"After joining the programme last year, I have learnt cake-making and how to run a business.
"I managed to earn an additional income of more than RM1,500 monthly, which helped me to open a cake shop in just a year," said the 37-year-old mother of two.
Fazlinawati is the first ECER empowerment programme participant who opened a shop with her own money.
She recorded brisk sales throughout last year, especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri when she raked in more than RM5,000 a month.
"I am lucky to own a cake shop. When I first started selling kuih, I earned less than RM600 a month," said Fazlinawati, who worked as a cleaner before she started selling kuih in 2010.
In the initial stage, Fazlinawati would send her kuih to her customers' homes or offices. When her products received good response, she started to supply frozen kuih in bigger quantities.
Among her popular products at that time were frozen curry puffs and kuih sepit (love letter).
"I plan to expand my business by producing and distributing other food products, including noodles and rice vermicelli," said Fazlinawati, who also makes birthday and wedding cakes.
ECER Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the main objective of the programme was to help people learn new skills and earn higher income.
"We hope more entrepreneurs will be produced through this programme," he said, adding that ECERDC would introduce free courses under the programme in Cameron Highlands, Raub and Bachok soon.
Among the courses offered are frontline professionalism, hawker management, sewing and fashion design, cooking, bridal make-up, mobile phone repairs, computer networking and information communications technology-related training.
Read more: From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/from-cleaner-to-proud-owner-of-cake-shop-1.47867#ixzz1nj5GWBkI
By M. HAMZAH JAMALUDIN
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Read more: From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/from-cleaner-to-proud-owner-of-cake-shop-1.47867#ixzz1nj5SJRzb
No looking back for mum of two after joining East Coast Economic Region empowerment programme for traders
Fazlinawati Abdul showing the products sold at her Qaseh Alina bakery in Kampung Telamin, near Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Pic courtesy of ECER Secretariat
KUALA LIPIS: FAZLINAWATI Abdul, who used to sell kuih from house to house in her village, never dreamt that one day she would be able to have her own bakery.
Thanks to the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) empowerment programme, she is now the proud owner of Qaseh Alina, the first bakery in Kampung Telamin, near here.
The shop sells various types of cakes, including Swiss rolls, banana and cheese cakes.
Fazlinawati's success has made her a role model for the ECER empowerment programme, which was introduced to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, increase the income of participants and boost the academic achievements of students in the east coast.
"After joining the programme last year, I have learnt cake-making and how to run a business.
"I managed to earn an additional income of more than RM1,500 monthly, which helped me to open a cake shop in just a year," said the 37-year-old mother of two.
Fazlinawati is the first ECER empowerment programme participant who opened a shop with her own money.
She recorded brisk sales throughout last year, especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri when she raked in more than RM5,000 a month.
"I am lucky to own a cake shop. When I first started selling kuih, I earned less than RM600 a month," said Fazlinawati, who worked as a cleaner before she started selling kuih in 2010.
In the initial stage, Fazlinawati would send her kuih to her customers' homes or offices. When her products received good response, she started to supply frozen kuih in bigger quantities.
Among her popular products at that time were frozen curry puffs and kuih sepit (love letter).
"I plan to expand my business by producing and distributing other food products, including noodles and rice vermicelli," said Fazlinawati, who also makes birthday and wedding cakes.
ECER Development Council (ECERDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said the main objective of the programme was to help people learn new skills and earn higher income.
"We hope more entrepreneurs will be produced through this programme," he said, adding that ECERDC would introduce free courses under the programme in Cameron Highlands, Raub and Bachok soon.
Among the courses offered are frontline professionalism, hawker management, sewing and fashion design, cooking, bridal make-up, mobile phone repairs, computer networking and information communications technology-related training.
Read more: From cleaner to proud owner of cake shop - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/from-cleaner-to-proud-owner-of-cake-shop-1.47867#ixzz1nj5GWBkI
ECER draws RM9b
By ROZIANA HAMSAWI
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The East Coast Economic Region in Malaysia has targeted to double its investments to MYR 10 billion for 2012, underpinned by interest from top Asian communities like China.
Its industrial parks located within the Special Economic Zone are expected to drive these billion ringgit investments.
Mr Jebasingam Issace John CEO of ECER said that "The SEZ will be our jewel in the crown in Malaysia. We expect the investments to come on board by the third quarter."
The risks of the slowing investment flow from Europe may impact Malaysia as a whole in 2012, but Mr John says the ECER has the added advantage of having caught the attention of the Chinese, Koreans and Japanese, who are also being encouraged to look abroad.
Its location is an advantage, which would benefit China's investing community. Among the most recent influx of investments totaling close to MYR 5 billion include a MYR 2 billion industrial biotechnology investment in CJ Arkema, a JV between a South Korean and French company, as well as Wenzhou Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau's plan to invest MYR 900 million in integrated industrial park in Kuantan.
The other is the MYR 1.8 billion integrated steel mill investment via Eastern Steel, a JV between Hiap Teck Venture Bhd and China's Shougang Group.
Mr John said that "Being the hinterland to East Asia is one good reason as it provides an inter regional hub for China India as an eastern gateway of Malaysia."
With the MYR 2 billion basic infrastructure put in place by the government, the ECERC is aggressive in marketing the economic corridor to Asian and Middle East investors, while focusing on individual companies like it did in the case of Eastern Steel in 2011.
Being just two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, the 25 kilometers by 140 kilometers strip that extends from Kertih in Terengganu to Pekan in Pahang includes four ports, two airports and innovation zones to support development in manufacturing, oil, gas and petrochemical, agriculture, tourism and education.
Mr John said that "To our investors, it is a MYR 4 billion market within the Asia Pacific region, especially since the commitment to convert Kuantan into a deepwater port."
Into its fourth year since it was set up, the low key ECERC reckons its potential will enable it to perform as well as the other growth corridors, if not outperform them.
Straddling Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang as well as Mersing in Johor, it is emerging as a dynamic and competitive investment destination to both local and international investors. Being a mix of Brownfield and Greenfield is an added advantage.
Mr John said that "The region may be lagging but at least we can differentiate ourselves from the others in that with our Greenfield, potential investors can undertake sustainable type models and develop the ECER in a sustainable manner."
Mr John said that unlike the other growth corridors, the ECER has various challenges which need to be positioned in the correct perspective. He added that "We need to accelerate growth, increase income levels and improve quality of lives. So, projects in ECER need to ensure significant contribution to GNI (gross national income) through job creation which will raise income levels, which impact measurements are in line with the Economic Transformation Program."
SEZs contribute to 80% of the gross domestic product of the region, where the income disparity is high compared to the west coast. Poverty programs are ongoing with the Pekan metropolitan in the advanced stage, enabling incomes to rise to MYR 1,200 already.
Mr John said that the human resource aspect is catered to the niche needs of investors. He added that "Within the one and a half years of investors setting up their facilities, ECERC will see to it that their manpower aspect is provided for, through training skills provided by the 20 centers and universities and colleges to custom fit their needs."
According to Mr John, the time is ripe for SEZ as it is the only one of its kind offering integrated projects from ports to manufacturing, while many infrastructure projects are near completion with many customized incentives already in place.
The SEZ has targeted a total of MYR 90 billion investments by year 2020 and will be a catalyst for economic growth, in line with the government's aspirations of moving into the New Economic Model.
The Automotive Industrial Park in Pekan Peramu area is a self contained park to cater for automotive manufacturing and assembly activities. The park has so far attracted big automotive names such as Mercedes, Isuzu, Suzuki and now Volkswagen.
Apart from the palm oil industrial cluster in Gebeng, there is the Kertih Polymer Park, the country's first fully integrated plastics park, which takes on a plug and play model where requisite support facilities and common services are put in place.
Also within the SEZ is the Gambang Halal Park, a premier park which can create MYR 1 billion investments almost immediately as there is feedstock of livestock, fishers readily available.
Mr John said that "We got interest from China and Middle East and hope by end of the year to see significant movements." He said the Kemaman heavy industrial park can take up MYR 5 billion in new investments, following closely on the heels of Eastern Steel's ground breaking in December 2011.
(Sourced from www.btimes.com.my)
roziana@nst.com.my 0 comments
The East Coast Economic Region in Malaysia has targeted to double its investments to MYR 10 billion for 2012, underpinned by interest from top Asian communities like China.
Its industrial parks located within the Special Economic Zone are expected to drive these billion ringgit investments.
Mr Jebasingam Issace John CEO of ECER said that "The SEZ will be our jewel in the crown in Malaysia. We expect the investments to come on board by the third quarter."
The risks of the slowing investment flow from Europe may impact Malaysia as a whole in 2012, but Mr John says the ECER has the added advantage of having caught the attention of the Chinese, Koreans and Japanese, who are also being encouraged to look abroad.
Its location is an advantage, which would benefit China's investing community. Among the most recent influx of investments totaling close to MYR 5 billion include a MYR 2 billion industrial biotechnology investment in CJ Arkema, a JV between a South Korean and French company, as well as Wenzhou Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau's plan to invest MYR 900 million in integrated industrial park in Kuantan.
The other is the MYR 1.8 billion integrated steel mill investment via Eastern Steel, a JV between Hiap Teck Venture Bhd and China's Shougang Group.
Mr John said that "Being the hinterland to East Asia is one good reason as it provides an inter regional hub for China India as an eastern gateway of Malaysia."
With the MYR 2 billion basic infrastructure put in place by the government, the ECERC is aggressive in marketing the economic corridor to Asian and Middle East investors, while focusing on individual companies like it did in the case of Eastern Steel in 2011.
Being just two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, the 25 kilometers by 140 kilometers strip that extends from Kertih in Terengganu to Pekan in Pahang includes four ports, two airports and innovation zones to support development in manufacturing, oil, gas and petrochemical, agriculture, tourism and education.
Mr John said that "To our investors, it is a MYR 4 billion market within the Asia Pacific region, especially since the commitment to convert Kuantan into a deepwater port."
Into its fourth year since it was set up, the low key ECERC reckons its potential will enable it to perform as well as the other growth corridors, if not outperform them.
Straddling Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang as well as Mersing in Johor, it is emerging as a dynamic and competitive investment destination to both local and international investors. Being a mix of Brownfield and Greenfield is an added advantage.
Mr John said that "The region may be lagging but at least we can differentiate ourselves from the others in that with our Greenfield, potential investors can undertake sustainable type models and develop the ECER in a sustainable manner."
Mr John said that unlike the other growth corridors, the ECER has various challenges which need to be positioned in the correct perspective. He added that "We need to accelerate growth, increase income levels and improve quality of lives. So, projects in ECER need to ensure significant contribution to GNI (gross national income) through job creation which will raise income levels, which impact measurements are in line with the Economic Transformation Program."
SEZs contribute to 80% of the gross domestic product of the region, where the income disparity is high compared to the west coast. Poverty programs are ongoing with the Pekan metropolitan in the advanced stage, enabling incomes to rise to MYR 1,200 already.
Mr John said that the human resource aspect is catered to the niche needs of investors. He added that "Within the one and a half years of investors setting up their facilities, ECERC will see to it that their manpower aspect is provided for, through training skills provided by the 20 centers and universities and colleges to custom fit their needs."
According to Mr John, the time is ripe for SEZ as it is the only one of its kind offering integrated projects from ports to manufacturing, while many infrastructure projects are near completion with many customized incentives already in place.
The SEZ has targeted a total of MYR 90 billion investments by year 2020 and will be a catalyst for economic growth, in line with the government's aspirations of moving into the New Economic Model.
The Automotive Industrial Park in Pekan Peramu area is a self contained park to cater for automotive manufacturing and assembly activities. The park has so far attracted big automotive names such as Mercedes, Isuzu, Suzuki and now Volkswagen.
Apart from the palm oil industrial cluster in Gebeng, there is the Kertih Polymer Park, the country's first fully integrated plastics park, which takes on a plug and play model where requisite support facilities and common services are put in place.
Also within the SEZ is the Gambang Halal Park, a premier park which can create MYR 1 billion investments almost immediately as there is feedstock of livestock, fishers readily available.
Mr John said that "We got interest from China and Middle East and hope by end of the year to see significant movements." He said the Kemaman heavy industrial park can take up MYR 5 billion in new investments, following closely on the heels of Eastern Steel's ground breaking in December 2011.
(Sourced from www.btimes.com.my)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
One-Stop Centre For Swiftlets In Terengganu
KUALA TERENGGANU, March 8 (Bernama) — The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) plans to set up a RM500,000 one-stop centre for bird’s nest products in Wakaf Tapai, Hulu Terengganu, this year.
Terengganu VSD director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun said the move was aimed at luring tourists to the state.
With 316 swiftlet-breeding houses operated by bumiputeras registered so far, he said, Terengganu was the biggest player in the bird’s nest industry.
He told Bernama on Monday that the department was also planning to built a swiftlet laboratory in Wakaf Tapai, besides acquiring the halal certificate to enable bird’s nest products to be sold locally and abroad.
Meanwhile, in BACHOK, Kelantan, the Farmers Organisation Authority plans to give grants to hardcore poor farmers to breed swiftlets at home or in the padi fields.
Its director-general, Datuk Mariam Mas Yaacob, said the authority had applied for a RM50 million allocation to implement the programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan which would start next year.
“This is a drastic plan to increase the farmer’s incomes so that they can climb out of poverty,” she told reporters after opening the Seri Gunung Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) general meeting.
Mariam said bird’s nest products were in demand on the international market and could be sold for between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per kilogramme.
She said the selected farmers would be given a grant of RM10,000 each to build the houses for swiftlets.
- Bernama -
Terengganu VSD director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun said the move was aimed at luring tourists to the state.
With 316 swiftlet-breeding houses operated by bumiputeras registered so far, he said, Terengganu was the biggest player in the bird’s nest industry.
He told Bernama on Monday that the department was also planning to built a swiftlet laboratory in Wakaf Tapai, besides acquiring the halal certificate to enable bird’s nest products to be sold locally and abroad.
Meanwhile, in BACHOK, Kelantan, the Farmers Organisation Authority plans to give grants to hardcore poor farmers to breed swiftlets at home or in the padi fields.
Its director-general, Datuk Mariam Mas Yaacob, said the authority had applied for a RM50 million allocation to implement the programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan which would start next year.
“This is a drastic plan to increase the farmer’s incomes so that they can climb out of poverty,” she told reporters after opening the Seri Gunung Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) general meeting.
Mariam said bird’s nest products were in demand on the international market and could be sold for between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per kilogramme.
She said the selected farmers would be given a grant of RM10,000 each to build the houses for swiftlets.
- Bernama -
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Malaysia’s ECER eyes $971m ME investment
Malaysia’s ECER eyes $971m ME investment Muzaffar Rizvi
6 November 2010 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region, or ECER, has set an ambitious investment target of RM5 billion ($1.6 billion) in five economic clusters and it expects to attract up to RM3 billion ($971 milion) investment from the Middle East, a top official said.
“The Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore five economic clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education for investment in the region,” Jebasingam Issace John, CEO of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, told Khaleej Times in an interview.
He said ECER is in talks with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar to identify potential projects for investment in the region and some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.
Issace John said the ground-breaking ceremony for RM620 million project involving Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Limited to set up a multifunctional common user supply base at ECER Special Economic Zone is scheduled for end of November and the facility is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.
He said ECER has abundant land, which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme. He said investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available. Excerpts from the interview:
What is the ECER’s role in promoting the Malaysian economy?
The ECER is a focused economic development in Malaysia which began under the country’s 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), and will continue into the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) and beyond.
In line with Malaysia’s goal to become a developed country by 2020, the East Coast Economic Region Master Plan seeks to balance economic development between the West Coast states and the less developed Eastern region.
The ECER will move the economy up the value chain, raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation, address socio-economic inequalities, improve the standards and sustainability of quality of life, as well as strengthen the region’s infrastructure. The ECER also addresses the income disparity between the rural and urban areas, reduces high incidences of hard core poverty, improves accessibility to the region and enhances basic infrastructure. The main thing for us now is to strengthen the infrastructure development so that the region will be ready to receive investments, from both domestic and foreign.
ECER forms 51 per cent of the total land area of Peninsular Malaysia, hence, there are vast opportunities available here for resource-based industries. While achieving growth, the ECER also emphasises on green technology, eco-friendly solutions and sustainability which makes this region very unique. Investments within the ECER are generated domestically as well as from abroad.
The ECER is resource rich. As an example, the region has great tourism potential because of its pristine beaches, beautiful islands and eco-tourism activities. In agriculture, the ECER offers opportunities in crops, livestock and fisheries while in manufacturing investments can be made in resource base industries such as the halal parks, palm oil clusters and the Kertih Polymer Park.
The strategy is to transform the ECER into a dynamic region via five clusters, namely tourism, oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture and education. Our vision is to become a developed region by 2020, as we move the economy up the value chain.
What is the latest progress on the ECER’s target to achieve poverty eradication with zero hardcore poor by 2010?
The ECER’s target is to minimise the existence of poverty and be financially independent. This will be attained via agropolitan projects which primarily involve agricultural activities but are also accompanied with downstream activities. Under agropolitan projects, participants will be involved in core economic activities, as well as secondary and support economic activities.
The ECER has three agropolitan projects, which are in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Through the support activities, not just head of the families will benefit, but also their spouses and other members of the family.
South Kelantan agropolitan is primarily oil palm-based, while North Kelantan agropolitan is more oriented to trade and business-based activities.
For Besut-Setiu agropolitan in Terengganu, the emphasis is on agriculture and goat farming. For agropolitan Pahang, the core activities are oil palm plantation and sheep farming. The idea is that these activities will help increase the hardcore poor’s income from RM400 per month to RM1,000 per month within the first year and to RM5,000 per month within the next 10 years.
What benefits and facilities is the ECER offering to attract Middle Eastern investors?
ECER is offering an integrated package to them, comprising both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These incentives are specially tailored to investors who are venturing into the key ECER clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education.
Among others, ECER fiscal incentives include income tax exemption of up to 10 years, Investment Tax Allowance of 100 per cent on qualifying expenditure, and sales tax exemption. Customised incentives are also given to companies based on the merit of each case. Non-fiscal incentives include competitive land pricing encompassing discount rate for land premium, quit rent and land assessment, guaranteed land lease periods for a specific time period and flexibility in the employment of expatriates.
The ECER also ensures that human capital requirements are met. Training is provided to manpower which can meet the investors’ human capital needs. In addition, funds can be repatriated back to the Middle East.
What additional incentives and facilities is the ECER offering to UAE companies for establishing projects?
Incentives can be customised and decided on case-to-case basis. In addition, 85 per cent of the ECER population are Muslims, so there is synergy here. The culture and way of life here in ECER will make it easy for UAE investors to adjust. In addition, we also have abundant land here which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme.
In terms of potential investments from the Middle East, we are currently in various stages of discussion with three Middle East countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.
What have been successful JV projects at the ECER?
Most recently, the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park, a project located in ECER Special Economic Zone, has received a total investment of RM620 million from the Middle East.
Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd and Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a multifunctional common user supply base in October 2010. The ground-breaking ceremony for the supply base is scheduled for end of November and it is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.
Investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available.
Do you expect any major project from UAE companies in near future?
Recently, Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd and Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a Multifunctional common User Supply Base within the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park.
Both companies have committed a total initial investment of RM620 million ($200 million) for the development of the supply base via a newly formed joint-venture company known as Tanjong Agas Oilfield Supply Centre Sdn Bhd.
Phase one usually is the expression of commitment. Dubai OSC has the funds and necessary experience and knowledge to set up its base within the ECER.
UAE companies may also be interested in other economic cluster namely oil and gas, tourism and agriculture. We expect more positive numbers by first quarter of next year.
ECER is working closely with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Industrial Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation on investments. All approvals will be made by the National Committee for Investments under MIDA.
Which economic clusters are attractive to Middle Eastern investors?
The Middle East will find the ECER’s halal parks in Gambang (Pahang) and Pasir Mas (Kelantan) attractive.
Gambang Halal Park will be focusing on food and non-food based Halal products and it will also concentrate on high-value added industries, supplying ingredients to the cosmetics and personal health care industries.
Pasir Mas Halal Park will concentrate on crops, poultry and beef-based products. It will also focus on the production of high-value added additives and ingredients that have numerous applications, from food additives to raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, to health care components.
The development of Halal Parks in ECER Malaysia is closely linked to the development of livestock, agriculture and manufacturing projects in the region. A combination of easy access to raw materials from nearby areas, solid supporting industries and good physical infrastructure in the region provides an integrated package for investors who are keen to participate in the fast expanding Halal industry. Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also very interested in our halal sector as the halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia is very strongly recognised worldwide.
Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore Shariah-compliant tourism as well as family-oriented tourism.
Education is another new area for investments. There are already many Middle Eastern students coming to Malaysia to study. The ECER offers a Knowledge Park in Terengganu which can cater to this need and we’d like to see colleges and international universities to set up their campus here.
In addition, medical tourism is an upcoming industry. Medical facilities and services are cheaper than in Europe and Middle Easterners can tap into this while enjoying quality healthcare.
What are the ECER’s investment targets?
Our annual target for investments is RM5 billion from all over the world, of which RM2-3 billion would come from the Middle East. That is a very humble estimate from our side.
Is the ECER seeking Middle Eastern investments in oil and gas?
The ECERDC is looking at working with Middle East investors in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, particularly in the downstream activities. The ECERDC is looking forward to work with more companies currently there are over 20 companies that have expressed interest.
We have not finalised investment details, but what is important is that we already have engagement with these parties. The clusters in ECER are closely tied-up with the Middle Eastern needs.
muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com
6 November 2010 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s East Coast Economic Region, or ECER, has set an ambitious investment target of RM5 billion ($1.6 billion) in five economic clusters and it expects to attract up to RM3 billion ($971 milion) investment from the Middle East, a top official said.
“The Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore five economic clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education for investment in the region,” Jebasingam Issace John, CEO of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, told Khaleej Times in an interview.
He said ECER is in talks with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar to identify potential projects for investment in the region and some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.
Issace John said the ground-breaking ceremony for RM620 million project involving Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Limited to set up a multifunctional common user supply base at ECER Special Economic Zone is scheduled for end of November and the facility is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.
He said ECER has abundant land, which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme. He said investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available. Excerpts from the interview:
What is the ECER’s role in promoting the Malaysian economy?
The ECER is a focused economic development in Malaysia which began under the country’s 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), and will continue into the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) and beyond.
In line with Malaysia’s goal to become a developed country by 2020, the East Coast Economic Region Master Plan seeks to balance economic development between the West Coast states and the less developed Eastern region.
The ECER will move the economy up the value chain, raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation, address socio-economic inequalities, improve the standards and sustainability of quality of life, as well as strengthen the region’s infrastructure. The ECER also addresses the income disparity between the rural and urban areas, reduces high incidences of hard core poverty, improves accessibility to the region and enhances basic infrastructure. The main thing for us now is to strengthen the infrastructure development so that the region will be ready to receive investments, from both domestic and foreign.
ECER forms 51 per cent of the total land area of Peninsular Malaysia, hence, there are vast opportunities available here for resource-based industries. While achieving growth, the ECER also emphasises on green technology, eco-friendly solutions and sustainability which makes this region very unique. Investments within the ECER are generated domestically as well as from abroad.
The ECER is resource rich. As an example, the region has great tourism potential because of its pristine beaches, beautiful islands and eco-tourism activities. In agriculture, the ECER offers opportunities in crops, livestock and fisheries while in manufacturing investments can be made in resource base industries such as the halal parks, palm oil clusters and the Kertih Polymer Park.
The strategy is to transform the ECER into a dynamic region via five clusters, namely tourism, oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture and education. Our vision is to become a developed region by 2020, as we move the economy up the value chain.
What is the latest progress on the ECER’s target to achieve poverty eradication with zero hardcore poor by 2010?
The ECER’s target is to minimise the existence of poverty and be financially independent. This will be attained via agropolitan projects which primarily involve agricultural activities but are also accompanied with downstream activities. Under agropolitan projects, participants will be involved in core economic activities, as well as secondary and support economic activities.
The ECER has three agropolitan projects, which are in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Through the support activities, not just head of the families will benefit, but also their spouses and other members of the family.
South Kelantan agropolitan is primarily oil palm-based, while North Kelantan agropolitan is more oriented to trade and business-based activities.
For Besut-Setiu agropolitan in Terengganu, the emphasis is on agriculture and goat farming. For agropolitan Pahang, the core activities are oil palm plantation and sheep farming. The idea is that these activities will help increase the hardcore poor’s income from RM400 per month to RM1,000 per month within the first year and to RM5,000 per month within the next 10 years.
What benefits and facilities is the ECER offering to attract Middle Eastern investors?
ECER is offering an integrated package to them, comprising both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These incentives are specially tailored to investors who are venturing into the key ECER clusters namely tourism, oil, gas and petrochemical, manufacturing, agriculture and education.
Among others, ECER fiscal incentives include income tax exemption of up to 10 years, Investment Tax Allowance of 100 per cent on qualifying expenditure, and sales tax exemption. Customised incentives are also given to companies based on the merit of each case. Non-fiscal incentives include competitive land pricing encompassing discount rate for land premium, quit rent and land assessment, guaranteed land lease periods for a specific time period and flexibility in the employment of expatriates.
The ECER also ensures that human capital requirements are met. Training is provided to manpower which can meet the investors’ human capital needs. In addition, funds can be repatriated back to the Middle East.
What additional incentives and facilities is the ECER offering to UAE companies for establishing projects?
Incentives can be customised and decided on case-to-case basis. In addition, 85 per cent of the ECER population are Muslims, so there is synergy here. The culture and way of life here in ECER will make it easy for UAE investors to adjust. In addition, we also have abundant land here which could fulfill the needs of Middle East countries that are looking for their food security programme.
In terms of potential investments from the Middle East, we are currently in various stages of discussion with three Middle East countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Some of these deals may be concluded as soon as early next year.
What have been successful JV projects at the ECER?
Most recently, the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park, a project located in ECER Special Economic Zone, has received a total investment of RM620 million from the Middle East.
Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd and Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a multifunctional common user supply base in October 2010. The ground-breaking ceremony for the supply base is scheduled for end of November and it is expected to be ready for operations by 2013.
Investments in agriculture and tourism are in various stages of development. These will be announced with the conclusion of discussions when more details are available.
Do you expect any major project from UAE companies in near future?
Recently, Dubai-based Oilfields Supply Center Ltd and Tanjong Agas Supply Base and Marine Services Sdn Bhd signed a joint venture agreement to build, own, manage and operate a Multifunctional common User Supply Base within the Tanjong Agas Oil and Gas and Maritime Industrial Park.
Both companies have committed a total initial investment of RM620 million ($200 million) for the development of the supply base via a newly formed joint-venture company known as Tanjong Agas Oilfield Supply Centre Sdn Bhd.
Phase one usually is the expression of commitment. Dubai OSC has the funds and necessary experience and knowledge to set up its base within the ECER.
UAE companies may also be interested in other economic cluster namely oil and gas, tourism and agriculture. We expect more positive numbers by first quarter of next year.
ECER is working closely with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Industrial Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation on investments. All approvals will be made by the National Committee for Investments under MIDA.
Which economic clusters are attractive to Middle Eastern investors?
The Middle East will find the ECER’s halal parks in Gambang (Pahang) and Pasir Mas (Kelantan) attractive.
Gambang Halal Park will be focusing on food and non-food based Halal products and it will also concentrate on high-value added industries, supplying ingredients to the cosmetics and personal health care industries.
Pasir Mas Halal Park will concentrate on crops, poultry and beef-based products. It will also focus on the production of high-value added additives and ingredients that have numerous applications, from food additives to raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, to health care components.
The development of Halal Parks in ECER Malaysia is closely linked to the development of livestock, agriculture and manufacturing projects in the region. A combination of easy access to raw materials from nearby areas, solid supporting industries and good physical infrastructure in the region provides an integrated package for investors who are keen to participate in the fast expanding Halal industry. Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also very interested in our halal sector as the halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia is very strongly recognised worldwide.
Middle Eastern investors are very comfortable with Malaysia as there are many similarities in culture and customs. They can also explore Shariah-compliant tourism as well as family-oriented tourism.
Education is another new area for investments. There are already many Middle Eastern students coming to Malaysia to study. The ECER offers a Knowledge Park in Terengganu which can cater to this need and we’d like to see colleges and international universities to set up their campus here.
In addition, medical tourism is an upcoming industry. Medical facilities and services are cheaper than in Europe and Middle Easterners can tap into this while enjoying quality healthcare.
What are the ECER’s investment targets?
Our annual target for investments is RM5 billion from all over the world, of which RM2-3 billion would come from the Middle East. That is a very humble estimate from our side.
Is the ECER seeking Middle Eastern investments in oil and gas?
The ECERDC is looking at working with Middle East investors in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, particularly in the downstream activities. The ECERDC is looking forward to work with more companies currently there are over 20 companies that have expressed interest.
We have not finalised investment details, but what is important is that we already have engagement with these parties. The clusters in ECER are closely tied-up with the Middle Eastern needs.
muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh
October 31, 2010 20:26 PM
Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh
TANJUNG KARANG, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- If Temerloh, Pahang is famous for the breeding of the 'ikan patin' (silver catfish), Tanjung Karang will soon become the main source for 'ikan baung' (mystus nemurus) as part of its efforts to promote agro-tourism in Malaysia.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said to implement this plan, the Fisheries Department will release 10,000 ikan baung fry in Sungai Ban Canal, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here, at the latest by December.
"We will introduce this area as the source for ikan baung and encourage fishing enthusiasts nationwide to come here and involve themselves in the agriculture sector," he told reporters after presenting prizes to winners of a fishing competition in conjunction with a programme at Sungai Ban Canal Tanjong Karang, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here Sunday.
Fisheries Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Suhaili Lee said the fry would be taken from three collection centres owned by the department, located in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.
"For a start we will release 10,000 fry, which cost five sen each, in the three-kilometre long river. If there's a positive response we will continue these efforts by increasing the number of fry," he added.
When asked why the ikan baung was chosen, Suhaili said their potential to breed in the river was high because the river has become a natural habitat for fish of the same species.
--BERNAMA
Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh
TANJUNG KARANG, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- If Temerloh, Pahang is famous for the breeding of the 'ikan patin' (silver catfish), Tanjung Karang will soon become the main source for 'ikan baung' (mystus nemurus) as part of its efforts to promote agro-tourism in Malaysia.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said to implement this plan, the Fisheries Department will release 10,000 ikan baung fry in Sungai Ban Canal, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here, at the latest by December.
"We will introduce this area as the source for ikan baung and encourage fishing enthusiasts nationwide to come here and involve themselves in the agriculture sector," he told reporters after presenting prizes to winners of a fishing competition in conjunction with a programme at Sungai Ban Canal Tanjong Karang, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here Sunday.
Fisheries Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Suhaili Lee said the fry would be taken from three collection centres owned by the department, located in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.
"For a start we will release 10,000 fry, which cost five sen each, in the three-kilometre long river. If there's a positive response we will continue these efforts by increasing the number of fry," he added.
When asked why the ikan baung was chosen, Suhaili said their potential to breed in the river was high because the river has become a natural habitat for fish of the same species.
--BERNAMA
ECER Taps Into Chinese Investments
THE East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) sees the second World Chinese Economic Forum as a good platform to promote the economic corridor as a globally competitive investment destination to Chinese entrepreneurs and diaspora.
Some 500 prominent business leaders from 20 countries are participating in the forum commencing here today, it said in a statement.
At a session on, "Charting a New Silk Road", ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John will be speaking about ECER as the investment gateway to the Far East and Asia Pacific Region, with a total population of four billion and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$17 trillion. (US$1=RM3.097)
The statement said ECERDC’s participation in the event follows its investment mission to Xiamen, China, in September whereby, it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Xiamen Zhong Seng Oil and Grains Company Ltd to collaborate in the development of downstream palm oil production activities in ECER.
Another project involved a joint venture between TP Silicon Metal Sdn Bhd and Chongqing Magnetic Foreign Co Ltd, for manufacturing activities in the Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park in ECER. It was also approved in October.
ECERDC is also in discussions with several other potential investors from China that have expressed an interest in the region, Jebasingam said.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China crossed US$53 billion last year, with Malaysia becoming China’s largest trading partner among Asean countries.
Trade is expected to grow further between the two countries with the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area in January. -- BERNAMA
Read more: ECER taps into Chinese investments http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101102172717/Article/index_html#ixzz14BQJTEN1
Some 500 prominent business leaders from 20 countries are participating in the forum commencing here today, it said in a statement.
At a session on, "Charting a New Silk Road", ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John will be speaking about ECER as the investment gateway to the Far East and Asia Pacific Region, with a total population of four billion and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$17 trillion. (US$1=RM3.097)
The statement said ECERDC’s participation in the event follows its investment mission to Xiamen, China, in September whereby, it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Xiamen Zhong Seng Oil and Grains Company Ltd to collaborate in the development of downstream palm oil production activities in ECER.
Another project involved a joint venture between TP Silicon Metal Sdn Bhd and Chongqing Magnetic Foreign Co Ltd, for manufacturing activities in the Kemaman Heavy Industrial Park in ECER. It was also approved in October.
ECERDC is also in discussions with several other potential investors from China that have expressed an interest in the region, Jebasingam said.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China crossed US$53 billion last year, with Malaysia becoming China’s largest trading partner among Asean countries.
Trade is expected to grow further between the two countries with the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area in January. -- BERNAMA
Read more: ECER taps into Chinese investments http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101102172717/Article/index_html#ixzz14BQJTEN1
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Progress in all five corridors on track – CDC
Progress in all five corridors on track – CDC
by Ghaz Ghazali. Posted on October 1, 2010, Friday
KUCHING: The progress for all five development corridors in the country is on track towards materialisation by 2030, thus increasing the nation’s competitiveness within this timeframe.
ON TRACK: According to Recoda, SCORE has already gained an investment total of RM60 billion–almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that it is expected to eventually garner.
According to Corridor Development Corporation Bhd’s (CDC) group chairman Datuk Muhammed Kassim, all corridors have been gearing up towards meeting their respective short– and long–term targets.
“All corridors share one common goal: that is to contribute towards the growth of the Malaysian economy. Specifically, each is poised to become as a platform to bring in more FDIs (foreign direct investments) and PFIs (private financing initiatives) – two significant generators that should propel the nation’s economic growth in the next 10 years,” he told The Borneo Post at the four-day Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP–Eaga) Business Conference and Expo 2010 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching near here, which ended yesterday.
CDC is an agency set up to complement the government’s effort in attracting and facilitating capital injections into all five corridors.
Notably, the very first – Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia, initiated in 2006 – had managed to attract cumulative investment reaching over RM55.56 billion, the latest data from its largest shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) had shown.
Latest newsflow had also indicated that further capital injections worth billions of ringgit could flow into Iskandar Malaysia from neighbouring Singapore, by way of investment from the island republic’s own investors as well as multinationals having company bases there.
As of date, Singapore’s private sector investment holding in Iskandar Malaysia stood at RM2.64 billion, mainly in the region’s manufacturing sector.
“The corridors’ primary goal is aimed at generating most of the investment from private sector driven initiatives. Investment in the ‘youngest’ of all the corridors: your very own Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE); is almost 80 per cent to 90 per cent being private sector funded, comprising both from the country and foreign investments,” disclosed Muhammed Kassim.
SCORE had already gained an investment total of RM60 billion, according to figures given by Recoda (Regional Economic Development Authority) – a body set up by the State Planning Unit to manage and oversee the promotion of the corridor.
“The total is almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that SCORE is expected to eventually garner,” added Muhammed Kassim.
Separately, the manufacturing and industrial–oriented Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), covering the states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, had received a RM13 billion–allocation from the government in the Tenth Malaysia plan, with private investment expected to total about RM30 billion.
The other corridor in the peninsula: the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) encompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing in Johor; had raked in RM28 billion in expressed and committed investments from local and foreign sources thus far.
In his recent statement, ECER’s chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John expressed his optimism for the corridor to attract some RM30 billion worth of FDIs by the end of this year, with its sight set on attracting investments from the Middle East, China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Meanwhile, SCORE’s counterpart in Sabah: the tourism–focused Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) had gathered more than RM4 billion in private sector–funding since its launch two years ago.
Additionally, Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had announced recently that another RM20 billion worth of investments would be proposed for SDC, with some initiatives having been highlighted in the previous Budget 2010.
“Each of the corridors have their own designations and strengths. Like SCORE, it is a very attractive plan because of the variety of opportunities it has to offer, as well as its primary focus on high-powered industries and renewable energy as its niches.
“It is for this very reason that many foreign investors – from Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, for example – are anxious to know about SCORE and have expressed their interest to inject their capital into the corridor,” Muhammed Kassim pointed out.
Asked on whether there existed similar corridors in neighbouring countries, the CDC chief executive responded, “Yes, there are areas in Asean that share similar aspects as our corridors here. It is just that outside Malaysia, they do not call these (areas) as corridors.”
According to him, these ‘corridors’ were termed as Regional Growth Areas (RGAs) instead.
“For instance, there are RGAs in Sumatera, Indonesia as well as in Thailand and the Philippines, where respective governments will give grants to the private sector to develop these zones. In turn, the private sector will engage foreign investors to pump in FDIs there.
“Just like here in Malaysia, the focus on the establishment of each area depends on what is the strengths that each area has. Although CDC does not have any direct business venture or deal with them, but we go through their government agencies like their respective Economic Planning Units, or their State Planning Units,” explained Muhammed Kassim.
by Ghaz Ghazali. Posted on October 1, 2010, Friday
KUCHING: The progress for all five development corridors in the country is on track towards materialisation by 2030, thus increasing the nation’s competitiveness within this timeframe.
ON TRACK: According to Recoda, SCORE has already gained an investment total of RM60 billion–almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that it is expected to eventually garner.
According to Corridor Development Corporation Bhd’s (CDC) group chairman Datuk Muhammed Kassim, all corridors have been gearing up towards meeting their respective short– and long–term targets.
“All corridors share one common goal: that is to contribute towards the growth of the Malaysian economy. Specifically, each is poised to become as a platform to bring in more FDIs (foreign direct investments) and PFIs (private financing initiatives) – two significant generators that should propel the nation’s economic growth in the next 10 years,” he told The Borneo Post at the four-day Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP–Eaga) Business Conference and Expo 2010 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching near here, which ended yesterday.
CDC is an agency set up to complement the government’s effort in attracting and facilitating capital injections into all five corridors.
Notably, the very first – Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia, initiated in 2006 – had managed to attract cumulative investment reaching over RM55.56 billion, the latest data from its largest shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) had shown.
Latest newsflow had also indicated that further capital injections worth billions of ringgit could flow into Iskandar Malaysia from neighbouring Singapore, by way of investment from the island republic’s own investors as well as multinationals having company bases there.
As of date, Singapore’s private sector investment holding in Iskandar Malaysia stood at RM2.64 billion, mainly in the region’s manufacturing sector.
“The corridors’ primary goal is aimed at generating most of the investment from private sector driven initiatives. Investment in the ‘youngest’ of all the corridors: your very own Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE); is almost 80 per cent to 90 per cent being private sector funded, comprising both from the country and foreign investments,” disclosed Muhammed Kassim.
SCORE had already gained an investment total of RM60 billion, according to figures given by Recoda (Regional Economic Development Authority) – a body set up by the State Planning Unit to manage and oversee the promotion of the corridor.
“The total is almost one-fifth of the RM307 billion total investments that SCORE is expected to eventually garner,” added Muhammed Kassim.
Separately, the manufacturing and industrial–oriented Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), covering the states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, had received a RM13 billion–allocation from the government in the Tenth Malaysia plan, with private investment expected to total about RM30 billion.
The other corridor in the peninsula: the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) encompassing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Mersing in Johor; had raked in RM28 billion in expressed and committed investments from local and foreign sources thus far.
In his recent statement, ECER’s chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John expressed his optimism for the corridor to attract some RM30 billion worth of FDIs by the end of this year, with its sight set on attracting investments from the Middle East, China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Meanwhile, SCORE’s counterpart in Sabah: the tourism–focused Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) had gathered more than RM4 billion in private sector–funding since its launch two years ago.
Additionally, Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had announced recently that another RM20 billion worth of investments would be proposed for SDC, with some initiatives having been highlighted in the previous Budget 2010.
“Each of the corridors have their own designations and strengths. Like SCORE, it is a very attractive plan because of the variety of opportunities it has to offer, as well as its primary focus on high-powered industries and renewable energy as its niches.
“It is for this very reason that many foreign investors – from Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, for example – are anxious to know about SCORE and have expressed their interest to inject their capital into the corridor,” Muhammed Kassim pointed out.
Asked on whether there existed similar corridors in neighbouring countries, the CDC chief executive responded, “Yes, there are areas in Asean that share similar aspects as our corridors here. It is just that outside Malaysia, they do not call these (areas) as corridors.”
According to him, these ‘corridors’ were termed as Regional Growth Areas (RGAs) instead.
“For instance, there are RGAs in Sumatera, Indonesia as well as in Thailand and the Philippines, where respective governments will give grants to the private sector to develop these zones. In turn, the private sector will engage foreign investors to pump in FDIs there.
“Just like here in Malaysia, the focus on the establishment of each area depends on what is the strengths that each area has. Although CDC does not have any direct business venture or deal with them, but we go through their government agencies like their respective Economic Planning Units, or their State Planning Units,” explained Muhammed Kassim.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Pahang Aims For 100 Biotech Firms
KUANTAN: The Pahang Biodiversity-Biotechnology Strategic Action Plan which will be officially unveiled on Monday will help the state government generate a RM2 billion turnover and create 30,000 jobs in 10 years.
To be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here, the plan will focus on three main areas, namely biotechnology, healthcare and the biotechnology-based industry.
State Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd (PTR) and the state Economic Development Division would be the main agencies which would help implement all the projects and initiatives under the action plan.
"We hope to create about 100 biotechnology companies by 2020 with most of them as joint-effort ventures between international and local players," he said yesterday.
PTR, which is a state government subsidiary, will also handle Pahang Biotechnology Centre which will act as a one-stop centre for the industry.
Under the plan, Sharkar said the state government would also create a biodiversity bank that would help preserve the rich fauna and flora in the state, apart from setting up a biotechnology excellence centre and education unit which would focus on research and development in the field.
- NST -
Read more: Pahang aims for 100 biotech firms http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24bio/Article/#ixzz0xVEdOVXu
To be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here, the plan will focus on three main areas, namely biotechnology, healthcare and the biotechnology-based industry.
State Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd (PTR) and the state Economic Development Division would be the main agencies which would help implement all the projects and initiatives under the action plan.
"We hope to create about 100 biotechnology companies by 2020 with most of them as joint-effort ventures between international and local players," he said yesterday.
PTR, which is a state government subsidiary, will also handle Pahang Biotechnology Centre which will act as a one-stop centre for the industry.
Under the plan, Sharkar said the state government would also create a biodiversity bank that would help preserve the rich fauna and flora in the state, apart from setting up a biotechnology excellence centre and education unit which would focus on research and development in the field.
- NST -
Read more: Pahang aims for 100 biotech firms http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24bio/Article/#ixzz0xVEdOVXu
Saudi Investors to Visit Malaysia After Ramadhan
(Source: Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)By Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr, Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Aug. 23--RIYADH -- The Malaysian Embassy has announced that a number of Saudi investors will be traveling to Malaysia after Ramadan to explore investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
"The embassy has received a number of inquiries during the past few days from Saudi businessmen on the tax incentives offered by Malaysia to foreign investors. Some of them personally visited us," Ambassador Dato Syed Omar Al Saggaf told Arab News on Sunday.
He said that most of the inquiring Saudis were interested in investing in agriculture, manufacturing, petrochemicals, the special economic zone, and culture and heritage.
Al Saggaf said that the renewed Saudi interest in investment in Malaysia comes on the heels of a visit last month of a delegation headed by Prince Abdul Aziz Faisal Al Saud following a visit to the Kingdom in May of an ECER investment delegation led by National Corridor Development adviser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"The delegation sought investors in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downstream industry," Al Saggaf said.
In a statement, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, chief executive officer of ECER Development Council, said in a statement that firm commitments from Saudi investors are expected by the end of 2010.
Al Saggaf said tax incentives were offered in various sectors.
"In tourism, there are customized incentives based on merit, income tax exemption of 100 percent for five years for eco-tourism and an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," the envoy-professor said.
He added that other incentives offered include stamp duty exemption on land acquired for development and withholding tax exemption on royalty and technical fees for ten years; and import duty and sales tax exemption on machinery, equipment and consumables that are not produced locally but are used directly in the activity.
Incentives are also offered to Saudi companies developing infrastructure for industrial parks.
"These include 100-percent income tax exemption for ten years starting from the year the company derives its statutory income. And an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," Al Saggaf said.
The ambassador added that incentives are also offered in the areas of manufacturing, petrochemical, special economic zone, agriculture, education and culture and heritage.
-----
To see more of the Arab News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.arabnews.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Aug. 23--RIYADH -- The Malaysian Embassy has announced that a number of Saudi investors will be traveling to Malaysia after Ramadan to explore investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
"The embassy has received a number of inquiries during the past few days from Saudi businessmen on the tax incentives offered by Malaysia to foreign investors. Some of them personally visited us," Ambassador Dato Syed Omar Al Saggaf told Arab News on Sunday.
He said that most of the inquiring Saudis were interested in investing in agriculture, manufacturing, petrochemicals, the special economic zone, and culture and heritage.
Al Saggaf said that the renewed Saudi interest in investment in Malaysia comes on the heels of a visit last month of a delegation headed by Prince Abdul Aziz Faisal Al Saud following a visit to the Kingdom in May of an ECER investment delegation led by National Corridor Development adviser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"The delegation sought investors in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downstream industry," Al Saggaf said.
In a statement, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, chief executive officer of ECER Development Council, said in a statement that firm commitments from Saudi investors are expected by the end of 2010.
Al Saggaf said tax incentives were offered in various sectors.
"In tourism, there are customized incentives based on merit, income tax exemption of 100 percent for five years for eco-tourism and an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," the envoy-professor said.
He added that other incentives offered include stamp duty exemption on land acquired for development and withholding tax exemption on royalty and technical fees for ten years; and import duty and sales tax exemption on machinery, equipment and consumables that are not produced locally but are used directly in the activity.
Incentives are also offered to Saudi companies developing infrastructure for industrial parks.
"These include 100-percent income tax exemption for ten years starting from the year the company derives its statutory income. And an investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100 percent on qualifying capital expenditure for five years," Al Saggaf said.
The ambassador added that incentives are also offered in the areas of manufacturing, petrochemical, special economic zone, agriculture, education and culture and heritage.
-----
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Copyright (c) 2010, Arab News, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Terengganu Malay Chamber Proposes Kemaman Port As Trading Hub
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government should consider making Kemaman port the trading hub for goods from the Asian region for the East Coast market.
The Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce, in making the call, said the port at Teluk Kalong was seen as the most strategic location for the purpose.
"As a state which relies on the output of crude oil, the trading hub can be seen as new source of income for Terengganu when the oil runs out," said the chamber president Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
He said this when met at a seminar here today to promote the China-Asean Expo 2010 which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi, China, in October this year.
Also present were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) eastern regional office director Hasziah Mohd Yazid and the expo secretariat deputy secretary Gong Qijun.
Tengku Ismail said when compared to ports like Port Klang in Selangor or Pasir Gudang in Johor, Kemaman port was the closest to countries like China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
"Obviously, the goods imported from these countries can be sold cheaper due to the lower cost if send through Kemaman compared to ports in the south or the West Coast," he said, adding that the move would also benefit people in the East Coast.
Tengku Ismail, who is also on the Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU) board, said the foundation was preparing a working paper on the proposal which would be submitted to the state government for consideration soon.
"If the state government agrees, it can become the first such trading hub on the East Coast. The infrastructure cost is expected to exceed RM50 million. The warehouses and inland port can be located in an area of 200 to 300 acres," he said.
According to Tengku Ismail, the proposal is line with the development plan of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) as a catalyst for a more dynamic economic sector in the states involved.
"It will also help to produce more Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the long term," he said.
-- BERNAMA
The Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce, in making the call, said the port at Teluk Kalong was seen as the most strategic location for the purpose.
"As a state which relies on the output of crude oil, the trading hub can be seen as new source of income for Terengganu when the oil runs out," said the chamber president Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
He said this when met at a seminar here today to promote the China-Asean Expo 2010 which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi, China, in October this year.
Also present were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) eastern regional office director Hasziah Mohd Yazid and the expo secretariat deputy secretary Gong Qijun.
Tengku Ismail said when compared to ports like Port Klang in Selangor or Pasir Gudang in Johor, Kemaman port was the closest to countries like China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
"Obviously, the goods imported from these countries can be sold cheaper due to the lower cost if send through Kemaman compared to ports in the south or the West Coast," he said, adding that the move would also benefit people in the East Coast.
Tengku Ismail, who is also on the Terengganu Entrepreneur Development Foundation (YPU) board, said the foundation was preparing a working paper on the proposal which would be submitted to the state government for consideration soon.
"If the state government agrees, it can become the first such trading hub on the East Coast. The infrastructure cost is expected to exceed RM50 million. The warehouses and inland port can be located in an area of 200 to 300 acres," he said.
According to Tengku Ismail, the proposal is line with the development plan of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) as a catalyst for a more dynamic economic sector in the states involved.
"It will also help to produce more Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the long term," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Peluang Usahawan Lebar Perniagaan Ke India Dan Hong Kong
KUALA TERENGGANU, 3 Julai (Bernama) — Usahawan tempatan yang berminat melebarkan perniagaan mereka ke India dan Hong Kong berpeluang mendengar taklimat berhubung peluang yang ada di kedua-dua negara itu pada Julai dan Ogos ini.
Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur Hasziah Mohd Yazid berkata wakil perdagangan India dan Hong Kong akan mengadakan sesi penerangan peluang perniagaan di negara masing-masing pada tempoh itu.
“Wakil India akan mengadakan taklimat pada 5 Julai ini di Tingkat Lima Bangunan Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) manakala wakil Hong Kong pula dijadual mengadakan penerangan berhubung peluang perdagangan di negara mereka pada 5 Ogos ini,” katanya kepada Bernama di sini Sabtu..
Hasziah berkata taklimat untuk peluang perniagaan di India bermula pukul 2.00 petang manakala taklimat wakil Hong Kong pula bermula pukul 9.00 pagi di tempat yang sama.
Menurutnya, kehadiran terbuka kepada peserta tempatan dan peserta dari Kelantan dan Pahang turut dialu-alukan.
“Peserta dijangka diberi taklimat meliputi semua aspek berkaitan dengan sektor-sektor perniagaan yang mempunyai prospek yang baik untuk diterokai usahawan negara ini,” katanya.
Mereka yang mempunyai sebarang pertanyaan boleh menghubungi beliau menerusi e-mel:hasziah@matrade.gov.my atau talian 09-6244778.
– BERNAMA
Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur Hasziah Mohd Yazid berkata wakil perdagangan India dan Hong Kong akan mengadakan sesi penerangan peluang perniagaan di negara masing-masing pada tempoh itu.
“Wakil India akan mengadakan taklimat pada 5 Julai ini di Tingkat Lima Bangunan Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) manakala wakil Hong Kong pula dijadual mengadakan penerangan berhubung peluang perdagangan di negara mereka pada 5 Ogos ini,” katanya kepada Bernama di sini Sabtu..
Hasziah berkata taklimat untuk peluang perniagaan di India bermula pukul 2.00 petang manakala taklimat wakil Hong Kong pula bermula pukul 9.00 pagi di tempat yang sama.
Menurutnya, kehadiran terbuka kepada peserta tempatan dan peserta dari Kelantan dan Pahang turut dialu-alukan.
“Peserta dijangka diberi taklimat meliputi semua aspek berkaitan dengan sektor-sektor perniagaan yang mempunyai prospek yang baik untuk diterokai usahawan negara ini,” katanya.
Mereka yang mempunyai sebarang pertanyaan boleh menghubungi beliau menerusi e-mel:hasziah@matrade.gov.my atau talian 09-6244778.
– BERNAMA
Matrade Organises Talks On Business Opportunities In India And Hong Kong
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 3 (Bernama) -- Local entrepreneurs keen to expand their businesses to India and Hong Kong will get the opportunity to attend talks on the available business opportunities in both the countries.
Director of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) East Region, Hasziah Mohd Yazid said trade representatives from India and Hong Kong will be holding briefing sessions on business opportunities in their respective countries this July and August.
"The representative from India will hold the briefing on July 5 at the fifth floor of Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) building here while the Hong Kong representatives will hold their brief on August 5," he told Bernama here today.
Hasziah said the briefing on business opportunities in India will start at 2 pm and the briefing on Hong Kong will start at 9 pm.
Participation is open to all the locals as well as those from Kelantan and Pahang
"Participants will be briefed on all aspects related to the business sectors that offer good prospects for local entrepreneurs to venture into," he said.
He also called on those wanting further information to get in touch with him via his e-mail at hasziah@matrade.gov.my or by calling 09-6244778.
-- BERNAMA
Director of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) East Region, Hasziah Mohd Yazid said trade representatives from India and Hong Kong will be holding briefing sessions on business opportunities in their respective countries this July and August.
"The representative from India will hold the briefing on July 5 at the fifth floor of Menara Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) building here while the Hong Kong representatives will hold their brief on August 5," he told Bernama here today.
Hasziah said the briefing on business opportunities in India will start at 2 pm and the briefing on Hong Kong will start at 9 pm.
Participation is open to all the locals as well as those from Kelantan and Pahang
"Participants will be briefed on all aspects related to the business sectors that offer good prospects for local entrepreneurs to venture into," he said.
He also called on those wanting further information to get in touch with him via his e-mail at hasziah@matrade.gov.my or by calling 09-6244778.
-- BERNAMA
Pelabuhan Kemaman wajar dijadikan pusat perdagangan
KUALA TERENGGANU 2 Julai - Pelabuhan Kemaman dengan lokasinya yang strategik dan kemudahan yang baik wajar dijadikan sebagai pusat perdagangan barangan yang dibawa masuk dari China dan negara dari rantau sekitar untuk pasaran Pantai Timur.
Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu (DPMMT), Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar berpendapat, pelabuhan di Teluk Kalong itu paling sesuai untuk tujuan tersebut berbanding pelabuhan-pelabuhan lain di Semenanjung.
"Sebagai negeri yang bergantung kepada hasil minyak mentah, pusat perdagangan ini boleh dilihat sebagai sumber pendapatan baru untuk Terengganu jika minyak sudah tiada nanti," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pada Seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 Ketujuh di sini semalam.
Ekspo berkenaan akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, Oktober ini.
Turut hadir dalam seminar itu ialah Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur, Hasziah Mohd. Yazid dan Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun.
Tengku Ismail yang juga Ahli Lembaga Pengarah Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) Terengganu berkata, yayasan itu kini sedang menyiapkan kertas kerja berhubung cadangan tersebut yang akan diserahkan kepada kerajaan negeri dalam masa terdekat untuk dipertimbangkan.
"Penyediaan infrastruktur asas mungkin mencecah RM50 juta. Dengan keluasan 80 hektar hingga 120 hektar, kawasan berkenaan akan ditempatkan dengan gudang-gudang dan pelabuhan pedalaman. Dalam masa sama, ia juga akan melonjakkan eksport barangan kita," katanya.
Menurutnya, cadangan itu juga selari dengan perancangan pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) dalam menjadi pemangkin sektor ekonomi yang lebih rancak di negeri-negeri terlibat.
Sementara itu ketika berucap pada majlis itu, Hasziah berkata, Matrade menyasarkan jumlah perdagangan dan pelaburan pada Ekspo CAEXPO 2010 akan meningkat 30 peratus berbanding tahun lalu.
Menurut beliau, pada tahun lalu kira-kira 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo tersebut yang merekodkan jualan sebanyak RM204.5 juta.
''Sehubungan itu Matrade mempelawa syarikat-syarikat negara ini terutama di Wilayah Timur supaya menyertai ekspo tersebut sebagai landasan ke arah memperkembangkan perniagaan serta meneroka peluang-peluang yang ditawarkan,'' katanya.
Beliau berkata, sejak ekspo itu diadakan penyertaan syarikat-syarikat daripada Wilayah Timur amat sedikit dan diharapkan pada tahun ini mereka dapat merebut peluang itu bagi mengembangkan lagi perniagaan dan meneroka peluang perniagaan yang ditawarkan.
Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu (DPMMT), Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar berpendapat, pelabuhan di Teluk Kalong itu paling sesuai untuk tujuan tersebut berbanding pelabuhan-pelabuhan lain di Semenanjung.
"Sebagai negeri yang bergantung kepada hasil minyak mentah, pusat perdagangan ini boleh dilihat sebagai sumber pendapatan baru untuk Terengganu jika minyak sudah tiada nanti," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pada Seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 Ketujuh di sini semalam.
Ekspo berkenaan akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, Oktober ini.
Turut hadir dalam seminar itu ialah Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur, Hasziah Mohd. Yazid dan Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun.
Tengku Ismail yang juga Ahli Lembaga Pengarah Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) Terengganu berkata, yayasan itu kini sedang menyiapkan kertas kerja berhubung cadangan tersebut yang akan diserahkan kepada kerajaan negeri dalam masa terdekat untuk dipertimbangkan.
"Penyediaan infrastruktur asas mungkin mencecah RM50 juta. Dengan keluasan 80 hektar hingga 120 hektar, kawasan berkenaan akan ditempatkan dengan gudang-gudang dan pelabuhan pedalaman. Dalam masa sama, ia juga akan melonjakkan eksport barangan kita," katanya.
Menurutnya, cadangan itu juga selari dengan perancangan pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) dalam menjadi pemangkin sektor ekonomi yang lebih rancak di negeri-negeri terlibat.
Sementara itu ketika berucap pada majlis itu, Hasziah berkata, Matrade menyasarkan jumlah perdagangan dan pelaburan pada Ekspo CAEXPO 2010 akan meningkat 30 peratus berbanding tahun lalu.
Menurut beliau, pada tahun lalu kira-kira 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo tersebut yang merekodkan jualan sebanyak RM204.5 juta.
''Sehubungan itu Matrade mempelawa syarikat-syarikat negara ini terutama di Wilayah Timur supaya menyertai ekspo tersebut sebagai landasan ke arah memperkembangkan perniagaan serta meneroka peluang-peluang yang ditawarkan,'' katanya.
Beliau berkata, sejak ekspo itu diadakan penyertaan syarikat-syarikat daripada Wilayah Timur amat sedikit dan diharapkan pada tahun ini mereka dapat merebut peluang itu bagi mengembangkan lagi perniagaan dan meneroka peluang perniagaan yang ditawarkan.
Usahawan Pantai Timur Digesa Sertai Ekspo Perdagangan Luar Negara
KUALA TERENGGANU, 1 Julai (Bernama) -- Usahawan di Pantai Timur perlu lebih aktif menyertai ekspo perdagangan di luar negara dalam usaha mengembangkan perniagaan masing-masing, kata Pengarah Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Wilayah Timur Hasziah Mohd Yazid.
Ini kerana, katanya penyertaan usahawan dan syarikat dari Pantai Timur, termasuk Terengganu, di dalam ekspo perdagangan di luar negara amat sedikit berbanding syarikat dari Pantai Barat.
"Ekspo seperti Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) dapat memberi pendedahan dan peluang kepada syarikat tempatan mencari rakan niaga, sekaligus mengembangkan perniagaan mereka ke luar negara," katanya kepada Bernama di sini pada Khamis.
Beliau ditemui pada seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 ke-tujuh yang akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, dari 20 hingga 24 Oktober ini.
Yang turut hadir, Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun dan Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
Seminar berkenaan merupakan yang terakhir dari beberapa siri promosi CAEXPO 2010 yang turut diadakan di Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang Kuching, Sarawak dan Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Menurut Hasziah, ekspo yang akan diadakan itu diharap dapat dijadikan platform untuk usahawan mengembangkan perniagaan masing-masing selain meneroka peluang yang ditawarkan.
Katanya China menjadi rakan niaga Malaysia yang terbesar dengan jumlah dagangan US$36.3 bilion.
"Hubungan ekonomi di antara Malaysia dan China juga telah mencatat pertumbuhan pesat dalam perdagangan dan pelaburan dalam tempoh 10 tahun lalu," katanya.
Walau pun menghadapi cabaran ekonomi dunia, katanya eksport Malaysia ke China mencatat pertumbuhan dua angka iaitu 12.2 peratus atau US$19.1 bilion pada 2009 manakala import Malaysia dari China menurun 9.3 peratus atau US$17.2 bilion.
Antara Januari hingga Mei 2010, katanya China kekal sebagai rakan dagang terbesar Malaysia dengan jumlah eksport ke China sebanyak US$19.1 bilion, iaitu pertumbuhan 89.2 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama pada 2009.
"Dengan perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN-China (ACAFTA) mulai 1 Januari 2010, cukai untuk lebih 90 peratus barangan telah diturunkan sehingga sifar peratus. Ini diharap akan menggalakkan lagi perdagangan Malaysia dan China," katanya.
Beliau berkata Ekspo China-ASEAN juga boleh dianggap sebagai simbol kerja sama antara negara-negara ASEAN dengan China, yang tidak hanya di arena perdagangan dan pelaburan, malah juga pelancongan.
"Tahun lalu, 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo ini dalam lima kluster industri iaitu makanan dan minuman, produk SME, Jenama Malaysia serta agensi kerajaan."
"Penyertaan Malaysia ini telah merekodkan jumlah jualan RM204.5 juta. Memandangkan Malaysia kini berazam untuk mengeksport perkhidmatan ke China. Untuk ekspo yang akan diadakan ini, kluster industri perkhidmatan turut ditambah," katanya.
-- BERNAMA
Ini kerana, katanya penyertaan usahawan dan syarikat dari Pantai Timur, termasuk Terengganu, di dalam ekspo perdagangan di luar negara amat sedikit berbanding syarikat dari Pantai Barat.
"Ekspo seperti Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) dapat memberi pendedahan dan peluang kepada syarikat tempatan mencari rakan niaga, sekaligus mengembangkan perniagaan mereka ke luar negara," katanya kepada Bernama di sini pada Khamis.
Beliau ditemui pada seminar Mempromosi Ekspo China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) 2010 ke-tujuh yang akan diadakan di Nanning, Guangxi, China, dari 20 hingga 24 Oktober ini.
Yang turut hadir, Naib Setiausaha Sekretariat ekspo berkenaan, Gong Qijun dan Yang Dipertua Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia Terengganu Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
Seminar berkenaan merupakan yang terakhir dari beberapa siri promosi CAEXPO 2010 yang turut diadakan di Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang Kuching, Sarawak dan Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Menurut Hasziah, ekspo yang akan diadakan itu diharap dapat dijadikan platform untuk usahawan mengembangkan perniagaan masing-masing selain meneroka peluang yang ditawarkan.
Katanya China menjadi rakan niaga Malaysia yang terbesar dengan jumlah dagangan US$36.3 bilion.
"Hubungan ekonomi di antara Malaysia dan China juga telah mencatat pertumbuhan pesat dalam perdagangan dan pelaburan dalam tempoh 10 tahun lalu," katanya.
Walau pun menghadapi cabaran ekonomi dunia, katanya eksport Malaysia ke China mencatat pertumbuhan dua angka iaitu 12.2 peratus atau US$19.1 bilion pada 2009 manakala import Malaysia dari China menurun 9.3 peratus atau US$17.2 bilion.
Antara Januari hingga Mei 2010, katanya China kekal sebagai rakan dagang terbesar Malaysia dengan jumlah eksport ke China sebanyak US$19.1 bilion, iaitu pertumbuhan 89.2 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama pada 2009.
"Dengan perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN-China (ACAFTA) mulai 1 Januari 2010, cukai untuk lebih 90 peratus barangan telah diturunkan sehingga sifar peratus. Ini diharap akan menggalakkan lagi perdagangan Malaysia dan China," katanya.
Beliau berkata Ekspo China-ASEAN juga boleh dianggap sebagai simbol kerja sama antara negara-negara ASEAN dengan China, yang tidak hanya di arena perdagangan dan pelaburan, malah juga pelancongan.
"Tahun lalu, 100 syarikat Malaysia menyertai ekspo ini dalam lima kluster industri iaitu makanan dan minuman, produk SME, Jenama Malaysia serta agensi kerajaan."
"Penyertaan Malaysia ini telah merekodkan jumlah jualan RM204.5 juta. Memandangkan Malaysia kini berazam untuk mengeksport perkhidmatan ke China. Untuk ekspo yang akan diadakan ini, kluster industri perkhidmatan turut ditambah," katanya.
-- BERNAMA
East Coast Entrepreneurs Urged To Participate In Expositions Overseas
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 1 (Bernama) -- Entrepreneurs from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia are urged to actively participate in the expositions overseas in efforts to grow their businesses.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp Eastern Region director, Hasziah Mohd Yazid, said the participation from entrepreneurs and companies from the East Coast, including Terengganu, in the trade expos overseas was low compared with those from the West Coast.
"The expos, like the 7th China-Asean Expo 2010 (CAEXPO) will provide a good opportunity for local companies to network with others," she told Bernama here Thursday.
Hasziah said this on the sidelines of the seminar to promote CAEXPO 2010, which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China from Oct 20-24.
Also present were CAEXPO secretariat vice director-general, Gong Qijun and Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce head, Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
The seminar is the last in the series to promote CAEXPO 2010 after Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
She said the expo would serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and explore the opportunities available.
Hasziah said China was Malaysia's largest trading partner last year with total trade amounting to US$36.3 billion (US$1=RM3.21).
"The bilateral economic relations have also seen the rapid growth in trade and investment within the last ten years.
"Malaysia's exports to China grew by 12.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion in 2009 while imports from China declined by 9.3 per cent to US$17.2 billion," she said.
She said China continued to be Malaysia largest trading partner.
"Between January and May this year, total exports to China grew by 89.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion compared with the same period last year.
"With the implementation of Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) from Jan 1 this year where the tariffs of more than 90 per cent of the products were reduced to zero, it is expected that Malaysia's trade with China will continue to grow," she said.
Hasziah said CAEXPO 2010 could be regarded as a symbol of cooperation between Asean members and China not only in trade and investment but also in tourism.
"Last year, 100 Malaysian firms participated in the expo under five industry clusters -- food, beverages, general products by small and medium industries, Malaysia brands and government agencies
"This year we have added a services industry cluster because Malaysia is focusing to promote services exports to China," she said.
She said the Malaysian exhibitors secured deals worth RM204.5 million at the expo last year.
-- BERNAMA
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp Eastern Region director, Hasziah Mohd Yazid, said the participation from entrepreneurs and companies from the East Coast, including Terengganu, in the trade expos overseas was low compared with those from the West Coast.
"The expos, like the 7th China-Asean Expo 2010 (CAEXPO) will provide a good opportunity for local companies to network with others," she told Bernama here Thursday.
Hasziah said this on the sidelines of the seminar to promote CAEXPO 2010, which will be held in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China from Oct 20-24.
Also present were CAEXPO secretariat vice director-general, Gong Qijun and Terengganu Malay Chamber of Commerce head, Datuk Tengku Ismail Tengku Jaafar.
The seminar is the last in the series to promote CAEXPO 2010 after Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
She said the expo would serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and explore the opportunities available.
Hasziah said China was Malaysia's largest trading partner last year with total trade amounting to US$36.3 billion (US$1=RM3.21).
"The bilateral economic relations have also seen the rapid growth in trade and investment within the last ten years.
"Malaysia's exports to China grew by 12.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion in 2009 while imports from China declined by 9.3 per cent to US$17.2 billion," she said.
She said China continued to be Malaysia largest trading partner.
"Between January and May this year, total exports to China grew by 89.2 per cent to US$19.1 billion compared with the same period last year.
"With the implementation of Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) from Jan 1 this year where the tariffs of more than 90 per cent of the products were reduced to zero, it is expected that Malaysia's trade with China will continue to grow," she said.
Hasziah said CAEXPO 2010 could be regarded as a symbol of cooperation between Asean members and China not only in trade and investment but also in tourism.
"Last year, 100 Malaysian firms participated in the expo under five industry clusters -- food, beverages, general products by small and medium industries, Malaysia brands and government agencies
"This year we have added a services industry cluster because Malaysia is focusing to promote services exports to China," she said.
She said the Malaysian exhibitors secured deals worth RM204.5 million at the expo last year.
-- BERNAMA
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Angkasa To Form Consortium To Strengthen Cooperative Movement
February 27, 2010 22:02 PM
Angkasa To Form Consortium To Strengthen Cooperative Movement
KUANTAN, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The National Cooperative Organisation of Malaysia (Angkasa) is planning to form a national consortium to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country.
Its deputy president, Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the consortium would enable cooperatives to work together in bigger projects.
He said if cooperatives were to move on their own, the chances of securing big projects might be lower as their capital and expertise were limited.
"Under a consortium, cooperatives stand a better chance to enter bigger markets like the East Coast Economic Region (ECER)," he told reporters after closing Angkasa's Cooperative Diversification Seminar here on Saturday.
For a start, he said Angkasa liaison offices in the east coast states would set up state-level consortia, comprising all registered cooperatives in their respective states.
So far, he said 65 per cent or 7,200 cooperatives nationwide had registered with Angkasa, with 992 cooperatives in the east coast alone.
-- BERNAMA
Angkasa To Form Consortium To Strengthen Cooperative Movement
KUANTAN, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The National Cooperative Organisation of Malaysia (Angkasa) is planning to form a national consortium to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country.
Its deputy president, Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the consortium would enable cooperatives to work together in bigger projects.
He said if cooperatives were to move on their own, the chances of securing big projects might be lower as their capital and expertise were limited.
"Under a consortium, cooperatives stand a better chance to enter bigger markets like the East Coast Economic Region (ECER)," he told reporters after closing Angkasa's Cooperative Diversification Seminar here on Saturday.
For a start, he said Angkasa liaison offices in the east coast states would set up state-level consortia, comprising all registered cooperatives in their respective states.
So far, he said 65 per cent or 7,200 cooperatives nationwide had registered with Angkasa, with 992 cooperatives in the east coast alone.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Terengganu To Open 'T-Brand Shop' Outlets Next Year
A bit late but still applicable :)
December 22, 2008 17:43 PM
Terengganu To Open 'T-Brand Shop' Outlets Next Year
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government through its Entrepreneur Development Foundation will set up a chain of T-Brand Shop outlets operating 24 hours nationwide.
State rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the state government's intention was to position the outlets as a platform to market products from small and medium scale industries such as dried foodstuff.
"We want the T-Brand Shop outlets to market products made by people in the state," he told reporters after officiating a halal product seminar under the Nestle-Nasmec mentor programme here today.
Also present was the Nasmec project manager Chong Yoon Kee.
Mohamed said the state government was now looking for strategic areas to locate the T-Brand Shop outlets and on a trial basis will open the outlets in Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman in April next year.
He also said that the state government will revive Cakna, a subsidiary under the Entrepreneur Development Foundation, next year with the aim of helping the entrepreneur community in Terengganu.
Mohamed said the state government will spend about RM500,000 to set up product collection centres next year in Kemaman, Dungun, Besut and Kuala Terengganu.
The state government has also approved RM40 million for projects under the rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development portfolio next year, he said.
Chong said the seminar was aimed at training and guiding entrepreneurs in the food and drink industries in the East Coast to comply with international standards and procedures.
"Increasing the standard of food and drink products is important to compete in the local and international markets," he said.
-- BERNAMA
December 22, 2008 17:43 PM
Terengganu To Open 'T-Brand Shop' Outlets Next Year
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government through its Entrepreneur Development Foundation will set up a chain of T-Brand Shop outlets operating 24 hours nationwide.
State rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the state government's intention was to position the outlets as a platform to market products from small and medium scale industries such as dried foodstuff.
"We want the T-Brand Shop outlets to market products made by people in the state," he told reporters after officiating a halal product seminar under the Nestle-Nasmec mentor programme here today.
Also present was the Nasmec project manager Chong Yoon Kee.
Mohamed said the state government was now looking for strategic areas to locate the T-Brand Shop outlets and on a trial basis will open the outlets in Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman in April next year.
He also said that the state government will revive Cakna, a subsidiary under the Entrepreneur Development Foundation, next year with the aim of helping the entrepreneur community in Terengganu.
Mohamed said the state government will spend about RM500,000 to set up product collection centres next year in Kemaman, Dungun, Besut and Kuala Terengganu.
The state government has also approved RM40 million for projects under the rural, entrepreneur and cooperative development portfolio next year, he said.
Chong said the seminar was aimed at training and guiding entrepreneurs in the food and drink industries in the East Coast to comply with international standards and procedures.
"Increasing the standard of food and drink products is important to compete in the local and international markets," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Six ECER Projects To Be Implemented In Terengganu This Year
January 12, 2010 19:49 PM
Six ECER Projects To Be Implemented In Terengganu This Year
KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- A total of six more new projects planned under the East Coast Economic Region development programme will be implemented in Terengganu this year.
Menteri Besar Terengganu, Datuk Ahmad Said, said under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, 38 projects had been approved for implementation in Terengganu including 14 cross-border projects involving other ECER states.
"From these, 17 projects were implemented in 2008, 15 projects last year, while six more projects will be implemented this year.
"On the whole, I am very satisfied with the implementation and progress of all these projects which are being actively undertaken by the ECER Development Council (ECERDC)," he said.
He was speaking to reporters here chairing the ECER Development Council's Implementation and Coordination Committees meeting here Tuesday.
He had also launched ECER's human capital development programme Tuesday.
Also present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, and State Government Secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong.
As for the six new projects, they would include a tourism programme in Teluk Bidara, Dungun and Pulau Besar, Setiu which will see the development of high quality hotels and chalets as well as homestay programmes in traditional fishing villages. The programme also covers the upgrading of the homes involved.
Apart from that, cluster projects involving the production of goat and goat meat will be also implemented as part of efforts to establish the state as the largest centre for goat and goat meat production. The project will occupy 160 hectares of land in Ulu Tersat, Kuala Berang.
"The development of the Heavy Industries Park involving a duty-free zone in Kemaman port will be also implemented this year to enable the Terengganu people to take up opportunities that would come with the main activities in the businesses of trade, logistics, fishing, oil, gas and petrochemical industries," he said.
In mid year, the Agropolitan Besut-Setiu project involving the planting of corn, kenaf as well as the cultivation of ikan keli will take off. This project is expected to help 3,000 poor people in the area.
-- BERNAMA
Six ECER Projects To Be Implemented In Terengganu This Year
KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- A total of six more new projects planned under the East Coast Economic Region development programme will be implemented in Terengganu this year.
Menteri Besar Terengganu, Datuk Ahmad Said, said under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, 38 projects had been approved for implementation in Terengganu including 14 cross-border projects involving other ECER states.
"From these, 17 projects were implemented in 2008, 15 projects last year, while six more projects will be implemented this year.
"On the whole, I am very satisfied with the implementation and progress of all these projects which are being actively undertaken by the ECER Development Council (ECERDC)," he said.
He was speaking to reporters here chairing the ECER Development Council's Implementation and Coordination Committees meeting here Tuesday.
He had also launched ECER's human capital development programme Tuesday.
Also present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John, and State Government Secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong.
As for the six new projects, they would include a tourism programme in Teluk Bidara, Dungun and Pulau Besar, Setiu which will see the development of high quality hotels and chalets as well as homestay programmes in traditional fishing villages. The programme also covers the upgrading of the homes involved.
Apart from that, cluster projects involving the production of goat and goat meat will be also implemented as part of efforts to establish the state as the largest centre for goat and goat meat production. The project will occupy 160 hectares of land in Ulu Tersat, Kuala Berang.
"The development of the Heavy Industries Park involving a duty-free zone in Kemaman port will be also implemented this year to enable the Terengganu people to take up opportunities that would come with the main activities in the businesses of trade, logistics, fishing, oil, gas and petrochemical industries," he said.
In mid year, the Agropolitan Besut-Setiu project involving the planting of corn, kenaf as well as the cultivation of ikan keli will take off. This project is expected to help 3,000 poor people in the area.
-- BERNAMA
ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010
ECER To Bring In More Investments In 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will focus on bringing in more domestic and foreign investments in 2010 while increasing private sector participation within the region.
ECER Development Council chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said ECER has already attracted a total of RM26 billion in expressed and committed investments, from both local and foreign sources.
"There are several existing projects within the ECER Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that investors might find highly lucrative yet safe for investment such as Malaysia's first fully integrated plastics and polymer park, the Kertih Polymer Park (KPP) which is now ready for occupancy within its 140-hectare land area," he said in a statement here on Saturday.
Set up to promote a plug-and-play concept, Jebasingam said KPP will tap into the potential synergies from integration with the nearby Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex in Terengganu.
The park, which has drawn immediate commitments of RM565 million in investments, is expected to be fully operational in 2015.
Another area that ECER is focusing on is the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, with planned upgrades in infrastructure and landscaping as well as the setting up of a central marketing centre in 2010.
"As a whole, the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park is expected to generate over RM4 billion in investments throughout its four stages of development and create a total of 10,580 jobs," Jebasingam said.
Meanwhile, efforts have been made to attract investors to participate in key viable projects outside the SEZ, which would act as suppliers of feedstock and to support the development of projects within SEZ.
This includes projects for the tourism and agriculture clusters.
For agriculture, the Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre will be built in May 2010 to accommodate 1,300 breeders and bulls as a means to reduce dependency on imported cattle stock.
Meanwhile for tourism, ECER has designated some 106 hectares in Teluk Bidara, Dungun to be built with high-quality hotels, resorts and chalets.
To boost the city's tourism pull, Kuala Terengganu city centre's construction as an integrated waterfront heritage city will begin within the second half of 2010.
To enhance the region's natural tourism resources, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai will be developed as an eco-tourism destination, forming a part of the Lanchang - Kuala Lipis adventure trail and Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang into a world-class elephant conservation and education facility.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will focus on bringing in more domestic and foreign investments in 2010 while increasing private sector participation within the region.
ECER Development Council chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John said ECER has already attracted a total of RM26 billion in expressed and committed investments, from both local and foreign sources.
"There are several existing projects within the ECER Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that investors might find highly lucrative yet safe for investment such as Malaysia's first fully integrated plastics and polymer park, the Kertih Polymer Park (KPP) which is now ready for occupancy within its 140-hectare land area," he said in a statement here on Saturday.
Set up to promote a plug-and-play concept, Jebasingam said KPP will tap into the potential synergies from integration with the nearby Kertih Integrated Petrochemical Complex in Terengganu.
The park, which has drawn immediate commitments of RM565 million in investments, is expected to be fully operational in 2015.
Another area that ECER is focusing on is the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, with planned upgrades in infrastructure and landscaping as well as the setting up of a central marketing centre in 2010.
"As a whole, the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park is expected to generate over RM4 billion in investments throughout its four stages of development and create a total of 10,580 jobs," Jebasingam said.
Meanwhile, efforts have been made to attract investors to participate in key viable projects outside the SEZ, which would act as suppliers of feedstock and to support the development of projects within SEZ.
This includes projects for the tourism and agriculture clusters.
For agriculture, the Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre will be built in May 2010 to accommodate 1,300 breeders and bulls as a means to reduce dependency on imported cattle stock.
Meanwhile for tourism, ECER has designated some 106 hectares in Teluk Bidara, Dungun to be built with high-quality hotels, resorts and chalets.
To boost the city's tourism pull, Kuala Terengganu city centre's construction as an integrated waterfront heritage city will begin within the second half of 2010.
To enhance the region's natural tourism resources, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai will be developed as an eco-tourism destination, forming a part of the Lanchang - Kuala Lipis adventure trail and Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang into a world-class elephant conservation and education facility.
-- BERNAMA
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