Vast Opportunities In Shipbuilding/Repair Industry Despite Gloomy Global Outlook

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Opportunities remain aplenty for local industry players in the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry despite the gloomy global outlook and downturn in the shipping market. Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia President Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor said however, the industry players must enhance their efficiency and productivity, as well as focus on providing quality and delivering value-added and cost-competitive products and services. "They will be the ones that benefit the most when the market turns around," he said in a statement here Wednesday. Ahmad Tajuddin, who is also Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) Joint-Chairman, said the industry was expected to employ 50,000 people by 2020. The statement was released in conjunction with the 4th National Marine Industries Forum (4NMIF) in Sibu, Sarawak Wednesday. Meanwhile, MIGHT President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration in ensuring the success of the SBSR industry. He also proposed a review of SBSR Strategic Plan 2020 (SBSR 2020) taking into account inputs from the 4NMIF and the revised plan presented to the SBSR community by mid-2017. The SBSR 2020, which was launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2011, was a result of the inaugural 1NMIF held in 2010. The plan outlines a roadmap for the SBSR industry in Malaysia towards becoming a globally competitive SBSR nation. Many of the recommendations in SBSR 2020 have been implemented including the new incentives for the industry that the government implemented early this year. -- BERNAMA