PORT DICKSON: The Federal Government remains committed to supporting the development of the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) plan, following the signing of agreements and collaborations totalling RM15.6bil, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the Transport, Works, Energy and Natural Resources and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministries will examine the investment initiatives by the Negri Sembilan government to help realise the objectives of MVV2.0.
"As a former Port Dickson MP, I have been closely monitoring the development of the MVV2.0 and have been briefed multiple times by the state exco member in charge.
"As of the fourth quarter of last year, some 1,380ha of land within the development have been identified and I hope that the ground works for the projects such as the NS Smart Park spanning 526ha, NS Semiconductor Valley covering 340ha and the residential area spanning 546ha within the Smart County can take off," he said in his speech at the launch of the Catalyst Projects for MVV2.0.
His speech text was read by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The MVV2.0, launched in December 2018, is an integrated economic region and a state-led private sector driven development.
The overall development spans across 153,411ha covering Seremban and Port Dickson.
Anwar said the various development concepts that have been proposed under the MVV2.0 including the creation of a Smart County, High Tech Industrial Park, Unmanned Vehicle Valley and the NS Semiconductor Valley should be developed in a targeted manner and well-planned sustainable development initiatives and holistic in terms of economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Anwar said the strategically located MVV2.0, which was also a part of the Greater Klang Valley, was one of the country's important economic corridors and would play a significant role in developing the national economy.
"The plan to develop the NS Aerospace Valley as a hub for the aircraft manufacturing industry, targeting the complete eco-system for a Final Assembly Lines lies right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, may improve Malaysia's contribution in this industry, which currently lingers at around 5%.
"Malaysia is not that far behind in the aerospace industry as there are various companies both foreign and local, operating in the country.
"Local companies such as CTRM, which produces composite materials for aircraft manufacturing, is internationally recognised where its products are supplied to leading companies such as Airbus and Boeing," he said.
Anwar said efforts to develop Port Dickson as a maritime hub, while preserving its coastal beauty as a tourist destination, would also have a significant impact on the country's economy.
"Looking at the Malacca Straits, we will find one of the busiest shipping routes in the world where more than 100,000 cargo vessels pass through every year.
"With 300 cargo vessels transiting the straits each day, it makes sense for us to strive towards developing the maritime trading economy," he said.
He said the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) industry in the shipping sector, bunkering services, the supply of water and food, and shipbuilding should also be pursued.
Anwar said although many jobs would be created in MVV2.0, it was important that local entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to participate in the industry ecosystem as well as the technology transfer to local companies.
"I am confident that these efforts will make Seremban and Port Dickson at par, or better cities like Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and other urban areas," he added.
