MITEC Another Example Of Within Budget, On Schedule Project - PM Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the largest exhibition space in the country, is another example of an important project that has been developed within budget and on schedule. Prime Minister Najib Razak (centre) said MITEC is also an example of how the government’s plans have delivered and are continuing to deliver for Malaysians, as they have witnessed three weeks ago with the development of a world class MRT. "It is just ridiculous to claim that our economy is failing, as some in the opposition do," he said at the handing over ceremony of MITEC to the government here, Tuesday night. Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed (second from right) accepted the completed US$146.44 million (RM628 million) building from Naza Group group executive chairman/group CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin (second from left). (US$1=RM4.28) Najib also said MITEC would be an important example, as it is the first building within a new high-impact mixed development - KL Metropolis, here in Persiaran Dutamas. "This new city within a city, spread over 30 hectares, will feature office towers, banking facilities, luxury condominiums, wellness suites, lifestyle malls, retail outlets, serviced residences, and hotels ranging from four to six star classifications. "All the facilities are planned to make KL Metropolis the destination for the meetings, incentives, conventions, events and exhibitions industry – known as MICE - in the region and beyond," he said. Najib said incorporating unique and intricate songket design in its facade, MITEC has a built-up area of 1.5 million square feet and a gross exhibition floor area of 488,000 square feet. He said MITEC could accommodate close to 47,700 visitors in theatre style seating and 28,300 guests in the banquet arrangement at any one time. It features 11 exhibition halls across three double volume floors, a multi-purpose hall, meeting and conference rooms, media and press facilities, lounges, restaurants and food outlets. The Prime Minister said with its state of the art facilities, MITEC would put Malaysia on the map as far as the MICE industry was concerned, bringing new businesses and leisure travellers to the country, providing a new beacon of excellence, and creating jobs and raising skill levels and wages that will benefit Malaysians. "As it is, according to the International Congress and Convention Association, Kuala Lumpur is ranked eighth in the Asia Pacific and 28th globally as a convention centre city; while among countries, Malaysia is ranked seventh in the region and 30th in the world," he added. Najib said the Malaysian MICE industry attracted 111,298 delegates to 153 events and generated RM1.035 billion in revenue, last year. By 2020, business tourism is forecast to contribute RM3.9 billion to the gross national income and generate 16,700 jobs, he said. Meanwhile, Najib said people will see the splendid centre showcased very soon, as MITEC will be operational in time for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and the 2017 Para ASEAN Games. Nine events including rhythmic gymnastics, weightlifting, fencing and indoor hockey, will be held here. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA