SPECIAL PLAN FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS IN NORTHERN STATE TO VENTURE INTO ASEAN

From Kamarul Ariffin Md Yasin

BOSTON, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The northern state of Perak Government will
introduce a special investment plan for foreign investors in the state keen to
penetrate the Asean market as part of their expansion plan, Chief Minister Dr
Zambry Abdul Kadir said Thursday.

He said that when the state government wooed foreign investors, it was not
focusing merely on Perak or the Malaysian market, but also to capture the 500
million populace lucrative Asean market.

In this regard, he said, the state government planned to turn Perak as a
launch pad into the Asean market by coming up with initiatives to give a new
direction to the state economy.

"We've already come up with a blueprint and we will announce it next year.
We're not afraid of competitor states like Selangor and Penang though we cannot
deny that they are far ahead of us.

"We've our strength and we must remember we are part of the national
component," he said during his visit to Twin Creeks Technology Inc Research and
Design Centre here.

Dr Zambry said during his visit to San Francisco and Silicon Valley in San
Jose, California, and Boston since Monday, he met several potential investors
keen to invest in Perak and expand their operations to Asean countries.

"I also met several scientists, many of whom are PhD holders, managers
of venture capital companies and hedge funds in the United States.

"Several parties who were briefed on the advantages of Perak were very
impressed with the potentials in Malaysia, particularly in Perak. Some expressed
interest to invest (in Perak)," he said.

Dr Zambry said technological sectors that could be brought to Perak and
Malaysia were also identified during the visit with a view to be expanded as
new economic models.

"Many parties keen to invest are prepared to provide the green technology
being planned and promoted by the Federal Government as the industry for
expansion.

"However, Perak cannot do it alone as it also involved national entities.
I hope the Federal Government will support us by giving quick approvals for the
projects that have been planned," he added.
-- BERNAMA