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IDR needs micro planning too

[ 22-03-2008 ]
IDR needs micro planning too

JOHOR BARU: Although the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) has sound macro planning, it too needs planning at the micro level to help locals identify with the opportunities there.

“”What is happening now is that investors are coming in to set up companies and industrial plants.

“But what happens next, especially with regards to spin-offs or downstream businesses and services as a result of the investments are not properly articulated.

“We must ensure the opportunities are there for the people,” said Pulai Member of Parliament Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

He urged the state government and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) to explain clearly the micro plans for IDR.

Nur Jazlan. son of former Information Minister Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, said the macro plans for IDR, such as the inflow of investments and infrastructure development were going on smoothly.

He said efforts to promote IDR and attract foreign investors must be balanced with efforts to draw local investors from Johor and other states.

“We must identify the local investors and assist them to set up business here.

“They will complement the foreign investors, hence accelerating IDR's development,” he said.

The Pulai constituency is located in IDR.

The IDR was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in November 2006.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who co-chairs the IRDA with the Prime Minister, recently said the IDR had so far received RM22bil worth of investments, indicating that it was on the right track.

The IRDA expects this economic development corridor to receive RM47bil in investments by 2010.

According to Nur Jazlan, the Pulai constituency, would also be able to attract local investors such as entrepreneurs in the logistics, transportation, tourism and high technology sectors.

“These industries would attract a lot of people to seek employment in IDR including in the service sector.

“The local population must be quick to grab the opportunities available.

“They must not be complacent and act only when there prodding from the government,” he said.– Bernama

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/3/22/southneast/20722157&sec=southneast

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