Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand commit to US$39b in infrastructure projects

By HIDAYATH HISHAM
MALAYSIA, Indonesia and Thailand have announced US$39 billion (RM165.3 billion) worth of infrastructure and physical connectivity projects under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), aimed at driving regional development.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the large-scale investments reflect a shared commitment by the three countries to deliver inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
'Infrastructure, with US$39 billion worth of physical and connectivity projects across our three countries,' he said during the 16th IMT-GT Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 27.
The initiative focuses on cross-border development in sectors such as tourism, halal products, agro-industry and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Anwar added that climate change remains a core concern, as it continues to affect the livelihoods and well-being of communities across the subregion.
He also thanked Thailand for taking swift steps to approve key border projects, including the Rantau Panjang crossing and the Golok River bridge, which are now progressing smoothly.
Earlier in the session, the three countries signed the IMT-GT Framework of Cooperation on Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (FOC CIQ).
The agreement was signed by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat.

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