Iskandar Malaysia Continues To Capitalise On Regional Synergies

By Azeman Ariffin JAKARTA, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Despite the global economic downturn, Iskandar Malaysia is still one of the targeted locations for Indonesians to invest in relation to the implementation of the Asean Economic Community this year. Iskandar Malaysia, via the Iskandar Malaysia-Indonesia Trans-Regional Investment Promotion (IMITRA) Committee, continues to further enhance and raise its profile abroad, especially in Indonesia, to attract investment opportunities. Iskandar Malaysia recorded US$51.58 billion (RM207.99 billion) in total cumulative committed investment from 2006 until June 2016, Iskandar Regional Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Ismail Ibrahim told Bernama here Friday. He said about half of the investments have been realised as projects on the ground and Iskandar Malaysia will continue to leverage on the synergistic benefits with neighbouring countries for economic growth. “We believe in complementing each other by leveraging on individual strengths. For example, Iskandar Malaysia complements Indonesia which is strong in upstream and downstream activities for agro-processing and Iskandar Malaysia has the expertise and first-class logistics for the industry,” he said. Ismail said Iskandar Malaysia took part in the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) which ended Thursday so as to encourage Indonesian businesses to consider Malaysia as another preferred destination for investment since both countries have cultural similarities. Iskandar Malaysia, a booming economic development corridor in Southern Johor, Malaysia, covers 2,217 square kilometres. “Iskandar Malaysia will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in November this year and I am very optimistic that the region will continue to attract a stable inflow of investments with more upcoming projects that will continue to benefit the people in the region,” he added. -- BERNAMA