Kuala lumpur: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) has intensified the strategic development of the Malaysia-Thailand border area to attract high-value investments, while strengthening the northern region's position as a new global supply chain hub based on the 'China +1' strategy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan stated that the integrated development involving the Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA), Perlis Inland Port (PIP), Kedah Rubber City (KRC), and Kedah Science and Technology Park (KSTP) is designed to capitalise on the shift of global manufacturing sectors into ASEAN.

Mohamad Haris mentioned that NCER offers advantages through a combination of cross-border logistics connectivity, trade facilitation, ESG-compliant renewable energy, and direct access to the ASEAN market of more than 680 million people. He emphasized that the 'China +1' strategy is not a temporary trend, but a structural realignment of global supply chains. NCER's new investment framework focuses on high-technology investments and the creation of quality jobs for Malaysians.

He highlighted early achievements, including the entry of global manufacturer Jabil into CVIA last year, and the initial PIP operations, which have increased its logistics handling capacity this year to accelerate ASEAN cross-border trade via Padang Besar. Mohamad Haris further added that KRC has recorded RM2.6 billion in cumulative investments over 15 years from Prinx Tire for the development of an environmentally friendly tyre manufacturing plant, with operations expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

In terms of KSTP, which is anticipated to be completed by December this year, it is projected to attract RM12.9 billion in investments and create 23,244 high-value job opportunities when fully operational.