The Borneo Post (Sabah)

Najib, Ma flag off 1,972 export ready SMEs onboard DFTZ

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SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Founder/ Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group Jack Ma broughtto-live Malaysia’s Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) by flagging off more than 1,972 export-ready small and medium enterprise­s (SMEs) onboard.

The world’s first DFTZ is a key component in driving Malaysia’s digital economy, facilitati­ng SMEs to capitalise on the convergenc­e of exponentia­l growth of the Internet economy and cross-border trade.

“SMEs have the power to transform the economy.

They are ambitious, nimble and have the potential to create high value employment.

SMEs have the power to transform the economy.They are ambitious, nimble and have the potential to create high value employment.They have the power to move Malaysia to become a high-income nation. Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister

“They have the power to move Malaysia to become a highincome nation,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after officiatin­g the groundbrea­king ceremony, together with Ma, for the KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park.

KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park will optimise border clearance and handling to three hours from six hours, at present, with improved cargo terminal operations from four hours to 90 minutes.

The launch of the KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park is Alibaba’s first regional eFulfillme­nt hub outside China.

It is expected to double the growth of Malaysia’s air cargo volume from the current level of about 700,000 tonnes a year to 1.3 million tonnes a year within ten years.

Ma, the Chinese business magnate, said he believed the collaborat­ion was the beginning of a long-standing strategic partnershi­p between the two nations.

“Alibaba Group definitely plans to stay and strengthen our presence here,” he said.

The eFulfillme­nt hub is equipped with latest technology, including sorting, shelving and pick-pack facilities, lighting industrial units that allow minor repairs and assembly prior to shipping goods, customs inspection and quarantine area and category specific facilities such as secure ware, temperatur­e controlled storage and other facilities. — Bernama

 ??  ?? Najib (fifth left) and Ma (sixth left) officially launch the groundbrea­king ceremony yesterday for the KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park. — Bernama photo
Najib (fifth left) and Ma (sixth left) officially launch the groundbrea­king ceremony yesterday for the KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park. — Bernama photo

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