EGYPT EYES M'SIAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL

MACHANG (Malaysia), Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Egypt is keen to harness Malaysian
expertise in drawing up master plans for development along the Malaysian model
similar to that in Malaysia's new administrative capital of Putrajaya and the
Iskandar project, the main southern development corridor in southern city of
Johor Baharu, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said
here.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect was signed between
parties from both countries when he led a mission to the Middle East last week,
he said.

"Malaysia was represented by a housing development company with experience
in development in both the areas," he told reporters after opening a function at
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kelantan, here Monday night.

Mustapa said the Egyptian government intended to develop a new township
based on the Malaysian model in one of its cities.

He also said that during the visit of the mission, Malaysia was invited to
participate in the construction of a RM3.3-billion (US$982.6 million) airport in
Doha, Qatar, adding that the construction contracts would provide job
opportunities for Malaysians.
-- BERNAMA