KUANTAN: Pahang attracted RM56.9 billion in investments as of May, creating 53,565 job opportunities.
According to a media statement issued by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council(ECERDC), this is largely driven by collaboration between the federal government via ECERDC and the state government to deliver high-impact projects and public infrastructure works, which transformed Pahang into a top destination for investors.
ECERDC said investment in the state's manufacturing sector currently stands at RM29 billion, which created 35,400 job opportunities.
It said this is due to the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) securing an investment for a new chemical fertilizer manufacturing plant from Sichuan Migao Chemical Fertilizer Industry Co. Ltd.
It said the construction of the Cybercentre at Pahang Technology Park(PTP) is on track for completion by August, which will facilitate the growth of industries linked to halal food, biotechnology, information and communication technology as well as agritech, which will all be located in PTP.
ECERDC noted that as among the fastest-growing global businesses, these industries are emerging as a new growth area in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector and will provide a platform for greater investments into these segments.
“Following the federal and state government’s strong partnership, Pahang has now emerged as a competitive and resilient destination of choice for investors.
"The federal government will continue to invest in developing high-impact projects and strategic infrastructure to further facilitate and spur the creation of new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for the Rakyat through increased investments and socio-economic growth,” said ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John.
Earlier today, Jebasingam attended the East Coast Economic Region(ECER) Implementation and Coordination Committee(ICC) Pahang meeting chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
ECERDC said investments into Pahang will accelerate with the completion of several infrastructure projects, among them the Kuantan Port Expansion (KPE) which is set to become a deep water port by 2018.
"Kuantan Port is set to offer investors in MCKIP and the ECER one of the fastest routes to major ports in China and other Asia Pacific markets, reinforcing the region as the Gateway to Asia Pacific," read the statement.
ECERDC noted that the planned 600km East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) will significantly enhance connectivity across the region, hence expanding the market for resources and trade.