Sarawak to host infrastructure conference

SARAWAK hopes to attract both foreign and local investors to its shores by hosting its first Asian infrastructure exhibition and conference in Kuching in March next year.

Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications, Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Anak Jawong, said the infrastructure in Sarawak will be as developed as that in Peninsular Malaysia by 2020.

"We certainly have a lot to catch up but we will get there," he said at the soft launch of the 2011 Asia Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Michael Manyin also stressed the importance of established domestic firms in the peninsula to make its way to Sabah and Sarawak.

"There are a lot of investment incentives given by both the federal and state governments. We hope by doing so, Sarawak will be the new Manhattan of Malaysia," Michael Manyin said.

He added that this move is to ensure continuous development and to build roads to link the rural communities together.

The ministry is also targeting big, foreign companies such as London-based mining companies Rio Tinto to invest in the state.

The 2011 Asia Infrastructure, to be held from March 1 to 3 2011, is expected to see some 200 exhibitors from 24 countries participating and to generate RM6.85 million of revenue.

By Business Times