GEORGE TOWN: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Development Blueprint 2016-2025 (Blueprint 2.0), launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today, is set to transform Peninsular Malaysia’s four northern states into a world-class economic region with an economy worth RM300 billion by 2025.
Focusing on seven catalytic growth node projects, 28 transcending border projects and 45 localised high-impact projects, it will create 161,197 jobs across Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.
The four northern states will also enjoy a cumulative investment of RM146.5 billion in the three main sectors of manufacturing, agriculture and bio-industries and services and sub-sectors.
To mark the launch, Najib also announced a special tax incentive package for companies undertaking approved activities in the stipulated sectors.
“This Blueprint 2.0 will ensure that economic investments in the four northern states will continue to leap forward,” he said at the launching ceremony here, today.
Najib also said strategies lined up in the Blieprint 2.0 would be achieved with cooperation from the four northern states.
“As such, I urge all the four northern started to jointly play their role to ensure the Blueprint 2.0 becomes a reality,” he added.
Najib said the Blueprint 2.0 would also serve as a reference point for all ministries, government departments and agencies and the private sector in further developing the NCER.
Present were Menteri Besar of Perlis Datuk Seri Azlan Man, Menteri Besar of Perak Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Also present were special adviser to the prime minister on the NCER Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman and pNorthern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq.