ECER: Stiff Competition For Local Entrepreneurs

February 16, 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 16 (Bernama) — The stiff competition for business
opportunities in the East Coast Development Corridor (ECER) will be a challenge for local
entrepreneurs as well as foreign investors.
Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Khamsiyah Yeop said
the challenge could be overcome with the active involvement of the ministry’s agencies
in raising the opportunities and expertise, especially for local entrepreneurs, to enable
them to eventually compete at the international level.
“The support and guidance can be obtained with the cooperation of government-linked
companies as the major players in carrying out the ECER development agenda,” she said
at the launching of a two-day seminar on the ECER by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk
Seri Idris Jusoh here today.
Khamsiyah hoped that a comprehensive action plan could be drawn to enable
entrepreneurs and potential ones to participate in the ECER development programme.
She said the rural community was also encouraged to join cooperatives and to pool their
resources and capital to participate in the ministry’s programmes.
Meanwhile, Idris said the Terenggnu State Economic Development Corporation (PMINT)
and state government were intensifying infrastructural development in preparation for
the arrival of foreign investors to set up business in the East Coast states.
He said it was important for each of the states to provide a conducive environment for
local and foreign investors towards realising the goals of the ECER.
On the ECER seminar attended by about 300 entrepreneurs, Idris hoped it would open
up their minds and create interest in the business and investment opportunities in the
ECER, as well as awareness of the role of government agencies in ensuring its success.
— BERNAMA (General)