IPOH: Perak needs to have good relations with neighbouring countries as there is a need to trade non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) products with them, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar said the state already has good relations with neighbouring countries in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle (IMT-GT).
However, he said developing strong ties with other Asean countries outside the IMT-GT was also important.
“We need to trade with them, especially when we have products from the earth, namely lanthanide or NR-REE.
“It is important because we have decided not to export raw NR-REE, but export end products such as magnets, electric vehicles and so on,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Dr Abdul Aziz Bari (PH-Tebing Tinggi) at the state assembly sitting on Wednesday (Dec 4).
Aziz wanted to know which Asean countries the state was working with besides Singapore.
He also asked about a recent visit by Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia.
Saarani said the Singapore delegation explored potential investment opportunities in projects of high interest when High Commissioner Vanu Gopala Menon visited Perak recently.
He said the meeting on Oct 8 discussed economic and investment matters, among others.
He said the discussions were mainly on high-interest projects such as the Silver Valley Technology Park, Automotive High Technology Valley, Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Perak Halal Industrial Park, and the Kerian Integrated Green Technology Park.
“The state government’s representatives took the opportunity to (brief the visitors on) the Perak Industrial Blueprint action plan, which will drive the growth of the manufacturing, services and digital economy sectors in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan.
“Also discussed was the tourism industry ecosystem in Perak which promises various unique and interesting attractions in terms of its natural beauty, history and culture,” he said.
“The Darul Ridzuan Institute presented the results of a collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences in the form of plans, projects and programmes focusing on key areas such as agriculture, digital, education and infrastructure,” he added.
Saarani also said tourist entry from Singapore is facilitated by three direct flights to Ipoh daily.
