PM: NCER TO HELP 4M IN 4 STATES
Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak will share in the wealth creation of nation, says Najib
MORE than four million people in four northern states are expected to reap the benefits of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Development Blueprint 2016-2025 (Blueprint 2.0), launched by Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
The prime minister said Blueprint 2.0 comprised comprehensive development plans to improve the standard of living of those in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, as well as to bridge the gap and ensure no one was left behind.
“Each of the four states in the northern region has its own strengths and uniqueness. When combined, this will lead to greater development to those in NCER.
“The numerous components in the Blueprint 2.0 are set to benefit more than four million people in the northern states and ensure they share in the wealth creation of the nation,” he said when launching Blueprint 2.0 at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (SPICE) Arena here.
Najib said Blueprint 2.0 was set to transform the four northern states into a world-class economic region with an economy worth RM300 billion by 2025.
He said it would also increase the median household income to RM12,964 and that of the B40 household income to RM6,043.
He added that focusing on seven catalytic growth node projects, 28 transcending border projects and 45 localised high-impact projects, would create 161,197 jobs in the four states.
“The four northern states will enjoy a cumulative investment of RM146.5 billion in the three main sectors of manufacturing, agriculture and bio-industries, and services.
“All these will set the course of the northern region’s socioeconomic development and propel opportunities in the region.”
He announced a special tax incentive package for companies undertaking approved activities in the stipulated sectors.
He said strategies lined up in Blueprint 2.0 could be achieved only with cooperation from the four states.
“Different regions have different economic growth. This gap must be closed to ensure they each achieve their potential.
“With the dedication shown by NCIA, and the close cooperation at federal and state levels, I am confident that our vision in making NCER a world-class destination can be realised.”
He said Blueprint 2.0 would also serve as a reference point for ministries, government departments and agencies and the private sector in developing NCER.
Present were Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as the host.
Ppresent also were special adviser to the prime minister on the NCER, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman, and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq.
Redza said unlike the top-down approach previously, the Blueprint 2.0 was derived following inputs from states’ stakeholders, government sector, private sector and academia.
“The achievement in the NCER thus far, is a testament to the government’s success in the country’s economic growth.”