NCER draws RM8.5bil in investment in first half

BUTTERWORTH: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) drew private investments worth RM8.51bil in the first six months of this year.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the investments were in the three main sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

“In line with the 10th Malaysia Plan, NCIA has raised the involvement of the private sector to catalyse the nation’s economic growth, besides enhancing the existing economic relations including with foreign investors,” he told reporters after the presentation of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) skill competency certificates here yesterday.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. In 2011, NCER drew RM9.91bil in investments, up from the RM7.48bil between 2008 and 2010. Redza Rafiq said a total of 9,467 jobs and businesses were created in NCER between January and June this year. “More jobs will be offered from now to December, as we believe we can achieve this year’s target of RM12bil in private investments,” he said. — Bernama

Source: The Star Online -  Saturday July 14, 2012