News From : DagangHalal.com (30 Jul 2009)
SHAH ALAM, July 30 (Bernama) — Many prospective investors have come to Selangor to explore the opportunities offered by the state despite the global economic uncertainty, said Selangor State Investment Centre Bhd (SSIC) chief Executive Datuk Mhd Jabar Ahmad Kembali.
Several of them were foreign including from Philadelphia (United States) and Korea, he told a press conference here today.
“Recently, a pipe manufacturer from Johor Baharu — a joint venture between local and foreign investors — wanted to set up a plant in Selangor and they need a 20-ha land,” he said.
Although the world economy was unstable, he said, Selangor was fortunate because several electronic companies that previously had to lay off workers by offering voluntary separation schemes (VSS) were now recruiting following rising demand for their products.
“For example, Nippon Electric Glass Co Ltd. The last time, they conducted VSS after demand for their products dropped 20 percent but last month, their demand rose 67 percent and the company now needs an additional 300 workers.
“Other companies like Toshiba also on the rise and the latest, Sony that requires 100 workers.
“Two days ago, we had a meeting with Western Digital Corporation and initially, they need 2,000 workers after putting in more investments,” he said.
On the Selangor Halal Hub in Pulau Indah, Port Klang, Jabar said a liquid milk producer had acquired a 15-ha land in the area and was preparing a development plan to start its operations.
“The company, FNL Diaries Sdn Bhd a subsidiary of F&N Dairies (M) Sdn Bhd, receives incentives from the federal government to start its operations. The company will serve as a pilot for the Selangor Halal Hub and is expected to begin operations as soon as we approve its development plan,” he said.
Besides FNL, he said, several companies like Secret Recipe, Ramli Burger and one from Belgium had acquired land in the area.
At the press conference, Jabar announced that the Selangor government through SSIC would hold a seminar on Aug 13 for about 150 businessmen, investors, bank managers, academicians and interested individuals on the state’s strategies to overcome economic problems faced by industries.
It would also give accurate information on the investment opportunities in Selangor and the state government’s policies, incentives and services to woo investors, he said.
More information on the seminar can be obtained from Hasan Azhari Idris or Effa at 03-55102005/2006.
— BERNAMA