Malaysia eyes pie in TN Vision 2023 plan

Chennai:

Malaysia is vying to have a share in the Rs 15 lakh crore infrastructure pie envisioned under the Vision 2023 programme with a 25 member delegation exploring investments in monorail, real estate and ports.

Datuk Syed Ali Alattas, president of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and Consul General of South India Anuar Kasman said that Malaysia is giving special importance to the state in promoting trade ties.

Speaking during a business meeting organized by Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Monday, Datuk said the delegation will be meeting the state Industries Minister P Thangamani as they have “special ideas” for the state.

Interestingly, Malaysia is banking on the 1.8 million Malays of Tamil origin to boost the ties with the state. “We have strong cultural ties and we have 1.8 million of people who are Tamils,” said Datuk and the Malaysian consul general Kasman.

Datuk said the delegation is exploring investments in monorail, satellite townships besides port infrastructure. M Nandakumar, convenor energy panel Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry said that the state is seeking private investment in building state’s infrastructure. Interestingly, Malaysian firms are currently working on 69 construction projects worth $3.5 bbillion in India of which majority are in the state.

Somi Hazari, executive committee member of SICCI said that state businesses are looking for tie-ups with electronic firms besides  processed and snacked food and palm oil.

Datuk was also all praise for the state’s growth in renewable energy sector and said that the state serves as an example for Malaysia to venture in renewable sector.