ALOR STAR: China has expressed keen interest to invest in four Kedah sectors, namely modern fisheries, rubber-related industry, renewable energy and tourism.
Its Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang, said aside from the RM3 billion Kedah Integrated Fishery Terminal (KIFT) project – a joint-venture effort between the state government and a Qingdao-based company – Chinese investors are also eager to invest in the Kedah Rubber City project in Padang Terap.
He said Chinese manufacturers in the sector have both the financial strength and the technology to help modernise the rubber industry in Kedah, which has massive rubber plantations state-wide.
"With their expertise and strong financial back-up, Chinese investors may help Kedah create more jobs by bringing in investment to the rubber industry," Huang said after paying a courtesy call on Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah at his office in Wisma Darulaman today.
The Ambassador also expressed China's interest in the renewable-energy sector, saying that investment could materialise on a piece of land owned by Edra Energy in Kuala Ketil, Baling.
"We are also interested to explore investment opportunities in Langkawi, as the island is one of the world's popular tourist destinations.
"Langkawi is fast emerging as a favourite holiday destination for Chinese tourists who visit Malaysia, and we are looking into the possibility of investing in the island's tourism hospitality industry.
"Both countries stand to benefit from Chinese investment in the four sectors in Kedah," he added.
Meanwhile, Kedah Investment and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail said the state government welcomes China’s interest in investing in the state.
He said the potential investment value in the four relevant sectors could reach RM4 billion, and the state stands to benefit enormously from the investments, especially in terms of job creation.