The signing of the joint venture shareholders’ agreement between PoABI and PKNPk: (Seated from left to right) PKNPk board member Datuk Azmi Othman; PKNPk deputy chief executive (corporate relations) Nurdita Fadzlinda Ahmad Rasidi; PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak; PoABI managing director Kristof Waterschoot, and PoABI consultant Michiel Heleven; witnessed by (standing third from left) Ambassador and head of the EU delegation His Excellency Michalis Rokas; (standing fourth from left) Perak Chief Minister and PKNPk chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and (standing fifth from left) Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Malaysia, His Excellency Peter Van Acker.
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 12): The Perak State Development Corp (PKNPk) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) have been granted €1.2 million toward a comprehensive study which will assess Malaysia’s attractiveness in the port and maritime sector and provide objective data to illustrate its suitability to become a global logistics and transportation centre.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, PKNPk said the Perak state, with its abundance of natural resources, existing and upcoming infrastructure, as well as developments including the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), together with its recent collaboration with PoABI, proves to be an attractive destination for the European Union (EU).
The corporation said this substantial grant marks a pivotal collaboration in driving positive initiatives for the region.
Perak Menteri Besar and PKNPk chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the EU grant is a noteworthy achievement that reaffirms the state of Perak’s value as a significant investment destination.
“It will also be a catalyst to unlock Lumut’s massive potential as a formidable engine of inclusive, economic growth for Perak.
“Together with our collaborative partner PoABI, we look forward to kicking off this comprehensive study to develop a robust blueprint in transforming Lumut into a world-class maritime hub,” he said.
Through this feasibility study under the EU Global Gateway to promote sustainable investment, Ambassador and head of the EU delegation Michalis Rokas said that the EU aims to act as a catalyst to contribute toward the robust development of the ports and maritime sector in Malaysia, turning it into a major trade hub, both regionally and globally, and applying the most advanced sustainability standards.
PKNPk embarked on the next phase of the strategic alliance with PoABI, a subsidiary of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, to position the state as a leading maritime and industrial area and unlock socioeconomic growth opportunities.
Both parties inked a joint venture shareholders’ agreement (JVSA) to establish LuMIC Development Sdn Bhd (LuMIC DevCo) as the special purpose vehicle for the joint development and management of LuMIC.
The partnership is set to catalyse inclusive economic growth in Perak through integrated maritime infrastructure and industrial development, among other activities centred around developing Lumut as a modern, resilient township.
Under the deal, PKNPk and PoABI also launched the LuMIC Internship Programme, which is focussed on talent development and retention.