10/11/2012 — The Star
KUANTAN: The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park will be launched some time next month by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the 607ha park was expected to boost economic growth and generate downstream activities for the local business community.
Liow said the project would not have materialised without the full support and commitment from the state government led by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
“The Federal and Pahang government share a close working relationship and mission to bring about economic prosperity and uplift the wellbeing of the people.
“This is clearly demonstrated in the fast approval in obtaining a piece of vast land and pre-construction preparations including infrastructure planning to carry out the project smoothly,” he said in his speech during a briefing session with the local business community attended by Adnan, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.
Liow, who is also the Pahang MCA chairman, said Ong had played a significant role in ensuring the project took off.
He said it was pertinent for state governments to give their support to the Federal Government.
Citing Kedah as an example, Liow said he was informed that the economic activities were stagnant and hardly moving in the state.
Meanwhile, Ong said they were in the midst of setting up a joint venture (JV) company, with 51% owned by Malaysians and 49% by China investors, to manage the industrial park.
He said Malaysia would be spearheaded by Rimbunan Hijau Group, SP Setia Bhd and the Pahang State Development Corporation.
So far, four China firms have agreed to be part of the JV namely Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group, Zhang Jiao Property Co, China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd and Qinzhou Investment Arm.
Adnan said he hoped the project would benefit local contractors in terms of construction and other business opportunities.
“The park could synergise with the Gambang halal hub, Gebeng industrial estate and Pekan automotive hub as a cluster to complement one another,” he said.
The park was proposed as a sister park by Najib to China Premier Wen Jiabao after the launching of the Qinzhou Industrial Park in China on April this year.
