SHAH ALAM: Despite its infancy, the SG4 pact of the four Opposition-controlled states sees itself as an economic bloc similar to the international BRICS group of emerging economies, says its spokesman.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is also Terengganu Mentri Besar, said for a start, the SG4 or “state government four” is working together to develop five industrial clusters.
They are infrastructure and logistics; trade, investment and business; agriculture and food security; laws and human capital; and new income sources and natural resources.
“This is a new outfit, it is similar to the economic grouping BRICS. This will depend on the development (of SG4) from time to time,” he told a press conference at the 69th PAS muktamar (general assembly) yesterday.
BRICS refers to a grouping that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which have come together in an informal global alliance of emerging economies.
Ahmad Samsuri said that SG4 is a platform to attract potential investors to the Perikatan Nasional-ruled states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu.
“We are at an early stage where we are still exploring, but what matters now is that we are moving forward (into getting investments),” he said.
He added that it was too early to estimate the bloc’s investment targets, adding that it is focused on syariah-compliant foreign investments.
“The formation of SG4 is an added value to the current initiative by ministries and agencies to attract investments and develop the four states under Perikatan.
“We have our ways, but it is not the same as an economic bloc like the G7 because our cooperation is new and is at the state level.
“SG4 will work in accordance with the Federal Constitution and we will cooperate with other states,” he said.
In September, SG4 appointed former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its adviser, and the latter has held engagement sessions with the four states and met with foreign investors.
“Dr Mahathir has met foreign investors from Japan, China and South Korea and he is expected to meet with potential investors from the Middle East,” said Ahmad Samsuri.
“We are open to views, recommendations and input from any quarters.
“If anyone, including the DAP’s Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, wishes to provide ideas, we will welcome it. This is proof that we are open to all in developing our states,” he said.
