Latest news with #HaimHilmanAbdullah
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kedah sets course for marine economy growth with China ties
ALOR STAR: Kedah has positioned itself as a rising hub for the marine economy through a strategic partnership with China's Fujian province, marked by a high-level visit and the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) here today (June 26). The visit by Fujian Deputy Governor Lin Ruiliang underscored a shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in the blue economy. State Industry, Investment and Higher Education Committee chairman Prof Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said that while manufacturing remains Kedah's economic backbone, the state is shifting focus to the potential of its marine industries. "We acknowledge the potential of the marine economy. The state has allocated about 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) in Kuala Kedah for marine economy development, and we welcome potential partnerships to realise this vision," he said in his speech during the MoU signing ceremony at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre. Also present were State Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Zhangzhou Deputy Mayor Zheng Limin. The ceremony saw the signing of four MoUs between Malaysian and Chinese entities: Haim said Langkawi had also been identified as a strategic location for aquaculture, adding that Kedah is eager to attract more marine-based investments, particularly from Fujian. "I hope we can work together to make Kedah one of the leading states in marine economy development," he said. He also proposed the establishment of a sister province relationship between Kedah and Fujian to institutionalise collaboration and ensure long-term cooperation. Lin welcomed the proposal, noting that Fujian's marine economy had already surpassed RM735 billion, making it one of China's strongest marine economy provinces. He said Fujian is keen to collaborate with Malaysia on marine industry and supply chain development, including port connectivity, green maritime infrastructure, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction. "Malaysia, with its long coastline and position as a global shipping hub, complements Fujian well in fostering mutual benefits and win-win cooperation. "We aim to create new spaces for marine technological innovation and deepen collaboration in research and development between marine research institutions, universities and enterprises," he said.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kedah offers 16,000ha for industrial parks to investors
ALOR STAR: The Kedah government welcomes investors to develop over 16,000ha of land for industrial use in the state. State Industry and Investment Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said these areas include key zones in the north, such as the Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ), Kedah Science & Technology Park (KSTP), Bukit Kayu Hitam Halal Hub and Logistics Centre, Kedah Rubber City (KRC), and the Digital Asean Halal Hub. "The central zone includes Gurun Heavy Industrial Park, Northern Smart Park, Bukit Selambau Industrial Park, and Kedah Aerotropolis. "Meanwhile, in the southern zone, the industrial areas comprise Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), Kulim Industrial Corridor, Padang Meha Industrial Park, Kulim East Industrial Park, North Kulim Industrial Park, and Bandar Baharu New Industrial Park," he told the state assembly sitting here today. Haim called for all parties to take advantage of the ongoing trade war between the United States and China to attract investment. "With the tariffs imposed by the US on China, this presents an excellent opportunity for us to position ourselves as a top investment destination. "In fact, China's policy also encourages its companies to expand abroad to remain competitive in the global market," he said when responding to a question from Abdul Ghafar Saad (PN-Guar Chempedak). Haim expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for agreeing to speed up allocation for KHTP's expansion of an additional 200ha under Phase 5, during a meeting with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. "It is important to stress that KHTP is not solely a federal government initiative but rather a strategic collaboration with the Kedah government. "The rapid expansion of the supply chain has enabled KHTP to progress into the next phase, with land leases in Phase 4A nearly fully taken up and preparations now underway for Phase 5," he said.
