IPOH: The European Union (EU) today awarded an RM9.5 million grant to a leading European industrial port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) to conduct a study which will assess Malaysia's attractiveness in the port and maritime sector.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the acquisition of the grant was a strategic catalyst toward achieving the state government's vision of establishing Perak as a maritime and logistics industrial hub, as well as fostering socio-economic growth.
Saarani who is also PKNPk chairman said that this approved grant would be utilised for a feasibility study under the programme led by PKNPk in collaboration with external consultants and PoABI.
"To implement the development of Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), both parties will form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called LuMIC DevCo to carry out a joint venture to develop and manage the integrated maritime industrial hub in Manjung district and surrounding areas in the state.
"Furthermore, collaborating with PoABI as the strategic partner will involve a comprehensive study of LuMIC's development plan, emphasising direction, strategy, sustainable environmental standards, and value chains.
"PKNPk will contribute local expertise and networks, while PoABI will provide international-level project management, consulting services, and training," he said.
Saarani was speaking to reporters after attending the announcement ceremony regarding the EU grant by PoABI and PKNPk at Hotel Casuarina @ Meru here, today.
Also present were PKNPk chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PoABI managing director Kristof Waterschoot, Belgium ambassador to Malaysia, Peter Van Acker and EU ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas.
Saarani added that the development of the industrial cluster in Lumut is a 25-year endeavour expected to generate over 50,000 jobs and various business opportunities.
"This is a testament to our commitment to transforming Perak's economy. We are on the right track in transforming Perak's economy.
"Through proactive and aggressive planning strategies by the state government agencies, especially PKNPk, local and foreign investors are now positioning Perak as a potential investment destination based on high-impact projects that will drive Perak's economic growth in the next 10 to 20 years," he said.
Meanwhile, Waterschoot said Lumut already plays a vital role in Perak's economic landscape.
"Given our track record and global footprint, we are delighted to be able to work hand-in-hand with PKNPk on this ambitious and transformative project that will serve to tap maritime, trade and investment opportunities in line with the state's development strategy.
"Undoubtedly, our solution-driven approach combined with a sustainability mindset places us in good stead to drive this project forward," he added.