KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd is expected to sign a strategic collaboration agreement with selected original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on March 31 next year.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said Proton began identifying its strategic partners since June, and had sent request of proposal letters (RFPs) to 14 OEMs.
"From the RFP feedback and initial evaluation by Proton, five OEMs have been identified as having the potential to develop a strategic partnership with Proton," he said in reply to Dr Che Rosli Che Mat (Pas-Hulu Langat) at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
Ahmad said the selection process was done thoroughly to ensure that Proton would secure a partnership with leading foreign companies, which could help it in the research and development aspect, and become a competitive company globally.
"After the scrutiny, Proton will shortlist between two and three companies for further discussion," he said.
Proton has been given a year by the government to find a strategic partner as part of the terms for a US$1.5 billion (RM6 billion) soft loan announced in April.