By Norrasyidah Arshad
KOTA TINGGI, Sept 11 — Regional cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand over the past 30 years has significantly contributed to Selangor's development, including the creation of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the opportunity to sit together peacefully allows for the discussion of various issues, including sustainable development, economic growth, and the strengthening of financial roles.
"Relationships with neighbouring countries and other regional territories will aid in development plans. This is a valuable opportunity that should be utilised, particularly in advancing the RS-1.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari speaks to the press during the 21st Chief Ministers and Governors' Forum at the Desaru Coast Convention Centre in Kota Tinggi, Johor, on September 11, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“If given the opportunity, Selangor is also keen to share its experiences and successes,” he told the press after the 21st Chief Ministers and Governors' Forum at the Desaru Coast Convention Centre today.
The forum is held in conjunction with the 30th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trilateral Meeting, which began yesterday and runs until Friday (September 13).
Previously, Amirudin said the development of a third port on Pulau Carey would solidify Malaysia's position as a leading provider of premium port services in the region.
The Integrated Development Region in Southern Selangor (Idriss) project is also designed to deliver sustained economic benefits to the state.
On today’s forum, the Menteri Besar said it is a platform to generate ideas to accelerate the development of the Carey Island port, ensuring Selangor remains a key hub for economic activity.
“We currently have Port Klang, one of the busiest in Asia. Through this conference, we aim to develop the third port as an economic zone,” he said.
The forum, chaired by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, focused on fostering regional cooperation to capitalise on economic opportunities, while also addressing sustainable development and climate change.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, as well as delegations from Indonesia and Thailand also participated.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is set to chair the IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting tomorrow, which will also be attended by Indonesia's Coordinating Economic Affairs Ministry’s International Economic Cooperation deputy coordinator Edi Prio Pambudi.
IMT-GT serves as an economic cooperation platform for 10 regions in Sumatra, Indonesia, 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia, and 14 regions in Southern Thailand.
The annual conference aims to promote sustainable growth and enhance economic integration among its member regions through trade and investment initiatives.
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The attendees of the 21st Chief Ministers and Governors’ Forum, including Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari (front row, seventh from right) as part of the 30th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Trilateral Meeting at the Desaru Coast Convention Centre in Kota Tinggi, Johor, on September 11, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
