Northern Corridor Economic Region

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) (Malay: Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara or Korridor Utara) is a new economic development corridor in Malaysia. This programme is a Government initiative to accelerate economic growth and elevate income levels in the north of Peninsular Malaysia - encompassing the states of Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and the north of Perak[1]. NCER is also one of the three development regions formed in Peninsular Malaysia, other development regions being the Iskandar Malaysia (formerly known as Iskandar Development Region and South Johor Economic Region) and the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) which is for the east coast states - Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. The NCER initiative will span from 2007 to the end of the 12th Malaysia Plan period, i.e. 2025. The NCER was launched on 30 July 2007 in Alor Star, Kedah and on 31 July 2007 in Butterworth, Penang. Both event was launched by its own Chairman[2] which is the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Contents

[edit] Main vision

The vision of the NCER is to be a world-class economic region by 2025, where it is amongst the world’s best in a number of its key economic sectors, such as E&E (Electrical and Electronics cluster), agriculture, tourism and biotechnology. Through the provision of a conducive business environment, the NCER will be a destination of choice for foreign and domestic businesses to invest in, while its emphasis on social development, community infrastructure and environmental integrity will make it a place where both Malaysians and foreigners would choose to work, learn, visit and live[1].

The mission of the NCER development programme is therefore to help the Region achieve this vision, through identifying commercially-viable opportunities and implementing strategic initiatives approved by the Government of Malaysia to improving:

  • Agriculture - Transformation from existing practices to “new agriculture” and this will be a key factor in addressing low yields and improving productivity of land.
  • Manufacturing - To distribute and to achieve balanced growth in all NCER's states rather than concentrated in Penang area only. Furthermore to provide more employment opportunity and to increase more highly skilled workers in the next future demand.
  • Tourism & Logistics - The aim is to significantly diversify the tertiary sector and accelerate the move into more “modern” services industries.
  • Infrastructure - New infrastructure to promote the growth of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism in the Northern Corridor, the Government will provide an environment conducive to economic development, by combining both physical infrastructure, such as irrigation, utilities and transportation, as well as soft infrastructure such as human capital, funding, incentives and an improved public service delivery system.
  • Human Capital - To provide an excellent adequate teaching infrastructure and resources (including science and computer laboratories, libraries and sports facilities) to all schools so that it meet all the requirements.
  • Environment - Protected and conserved natural environment in the course of carrying out development activities so that development can be sustainable. Failure to maintain and sustain the environment will impact the development of subsequent generations.
“ I want to ensure movement of goods and workers from these areas proceed smoothly to support and fuel economic growth till the rural areas,[3] - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, The Prime Minister of Malaysia. ”

[edit] Project Status

[edit] Ninth Malaysia Plan

An additional RM 5 billion has been allocated to the project from the currently allocated RM 12.5 billion from the Ninth Malaysia Plan. [4]

[edit] Tenth Malaysia Plan

RM 13 billion is allocated by the government by the tenth Malaysia plan. Private investment is expected to account RM 30 billion.[4]

[edit] External links

[edit] Official website

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ a b Northern Corridor Economic Region - Vision World-class economic region by 2025
  2. ^ The Star Online: August 1, 2007 PM to chair NCER body
  3. ^ Bernama: July 30, 2007 Micro-Electronic Excellence Centre To Be Set Up At USM
  4. ^ a b 18-12-2007: NCER to get RM5b more
v • d • e
Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)
NCER Perlis
Kangar • Padang Besar • Perlis Seed Centre
NCER Kedah
NCER Penang
NCER Perak
Languages