IPOH: A grant worth about RM9.5mil has been awarded to Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) to conduct a research on Malaysia’s attractiveness in the port and maritime sector.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the grant was given by the European Union (EU).
“The EU€1.9mil grant by EU reaffirms Perak’s value as a significant investment destination.
“The 18-month research effort, which started in September will be focusing on several assessments including Malaysia in general with the intention of attracting possible EU or other foreign investors,” he said at a press conference at the grant announcement ceremony at Casuarina Hotel here Monday (Dec 11)
On Oct 12 last year, PKNP announced that the Integrated Maritime Industrial Cluster within the district of Manjung is being planned, following the agreement with PoABI, which is a subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Saarani, who is also PKNP chairman, said the grant signifies a pivotal collaboration that propels the economic growth of Perak to new heights.
“The acquisition of the EU€1.9mil or RM9.5mil grant by PoABI and PKNPk is a strategic catalyst toward achieving the state government's vision of establishing Perak as a maritime and logistics industrial hub, thereby fostering socio-economic growth.
“This strategic collaboration will unlock additional potential and turn Lumut into an inclusive and sustainable growth engine,” he said.
Also present during the event was Belgium ambassador Peter Van Acker, European ambassador Michalis Rokas, PoABI managing director Kristof Waterschoot, and PKNP chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak.
Waterschoot said they are honored to work hand-in-hand with PKNP.
“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 with PKNP.
“Undoubtedly, our solution-driven approach combined with a sustainability mindset places us in good stead to drive this project forward,” he said, adding that the project is currently the most important one.
