M'SIA TO DRAW UP ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN WITH SOUTHERN THAILAND

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will draw up an
economic action plan with Thailand to develop five provinces in southern
Thailand and the bordering states in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said
close cooperation in this effort between the two countries would help
accelerate economic growth in the area.

"As we all know, northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand are
less developed.

"Thus, the initiative to forge closer cooperation to develop the economy of
both regions will continue as it has many benefits," he said after an Aidilfitri
celebration at the Kota Baharu Trade Centre, here, Sunday.

Mustapa said several projects and programmes had been drawn up for
implementation in the area involved.


Among the projects are developing the agriculture sector, small and
medium-scale industries, halal industry, tourism and many more.

Mustapa said the area had a lot of potential for development in various
sectors because of its strategic location and frequently visited by the people
of both countries.

He said the initiative to develop the border area was not merely to assist
Thailand, but more to strengthen cooperation between the two countries
in efforts to increase the income of the people on both sides of the border.

"For example, many in northern Peninsular Malaysia earn their income from
rubber but this is not enough, so they need other sources of income to improve
their economy."

He said the government would always look for new opportunities or identify
new fields to create sustainable livelihood for the people through close
cooperation with neighbouring countries.

-- BERNAMA



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