KOTA BARU: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has invested a total of RM10.9 billion in Kelantan since 2008.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat said this investment has created nearly 10,000 jobs and more than 2,000 entrepreneurial opportunities for the people in Kelantan.
"Since the establishment of ECERDC in 2008, our collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the state government have yielded a total of RM10.9 billion investment.
"Currently, there are nearly 50,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered in Kelantan, with most of them classified as microenterprises.
"ECERDC is developing the ECER Master Plan 3.0 (EMP 3.0) which will chart Kelantan's future growth and one of the focuses is on modernising the MSME ecosystem, moving away from services to manufacturing of high value-added products," he said at the ECERDC's 15th anniversary celebration here today.
With improved logistics, Baidzawi said synergies between Kelantan SMEs and its Thai counterparts could be created, resulting in new opportunities in the region.
"Furthermore, the upcoming completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) which connects Tunjong to Kuantan Port and Port Klang will reduce travel time, opening up new opportunities along its route," he said.
Apart from attracting investments, he added ECERDC has also contributed to the state's socio-economic growth by implementing strategic infrastructure projects such as the upgrading of water treatment plants in Wakaf Bunut and Kelar, the Kampung Laut redevelopment project which comprises Laman Warisan Seni, Laman Warisan Serunding and the relocation of Masjid Kampung Laut.
"The ECERDC's Tok Bali Integrated Fisheries Park (Phase 1A & 1B) will provide investors and SME players an opportunity to participate in downstream fish processing activities.
"To attract local and foreign investors seeking growth in general manufacturing and down-streaming of agricultural products with easy access to Southern Thailand, ECERDC will also be constructing the Tok Bali Industrial Park (TBIP) which is expected to start in December ," he added.
Today's programme was opened by Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Nassuruddin in his opening speech expressed his aspiration in continuing the state's industrialisation journey by taking full advantage of the upcoming completion of ECER's strategic logistics projects.
"With ECERDC playing a pivotal role in catalysing Kelantan's economic diversification, I believe that the completion of the ECRL will be the game changer that would elevate cross border trade.
"I would like MSMEs to grab the opportunity to expand, innovate and embrace this opportunity as ECRL will enhance movement of goods via Kuantan Port and Port Klang to IndoChina, European markets and beyond.
"I am also confident that the ECER's Kelantan Special Incentive Package will also contribute towards attracting new investments and increasing cross-border trade opportunities, which will help Kelantan achieve its growth trajectory," he added.
The event were attended by ECERDC's key stakeholders both from Federal and state government agencies, industry leaders, prospective investors, strategic partners and participants of the Human Capital Development Programmes (HCD).
Also present were Petronas East Coast general manager M Ahmad Shazly Ramly, Kelantan state secretary Datuk Nazran Muhammad and state Investment, Industry, Human Resources, Trade and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Md Anizam Ab Rahman.