The cooperation aims to lead the integration of the supply chains between Malaysia, Thailand, China and Europe

by ANIS HAZIM / Pic source: www.ncer.com.my

MUTIARA Perlis Sdn Bhd has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Thailand-based PTT PCL and Nathalin Group for Thailand-Malaysia Track and Perlis Inland Port (PIP) Cooperation on Aug 1.

Mutiara Perlis ED Amir Abdillah said the cooperation aims to lead the integration of the supply chains between Malaysia, Thailand, China and Europe.

“This will mark the birth of a new intercontinental railway supply chain,” he said in a statement today.

In April, PTT and Nathalin developed a seamless connectivity from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos and Kunming, China.

Meanwhile, the cooperation with Mutiara Perlis, who is PIP developer, is expected to complete the Bangkok-Peninsular Malaysia loop.

“This will greatly improve the supply chain between Europe, China and Asean as China has already embarked on developing rail connectivity to Europe since 2011,” it said.

PTT senior executive VP Chansak Chuenchom believes the cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia will contribute to the prosperity for both sides.

“This is the first time in history that South-East Asia, China and the European continent are connected by railway since the start of Silk Route 1,000 years ago,” he said.

The Thai government also supports the cooperation as it will facilitate trade movements and enable Thais and Malaysians to collaborate for the greater good of both nations. 

Moreover, the Thai delegation plans to visit the Malaysian Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) in the near future to see further investment potential, according to Thailand ambassador to Malaysia Chainarong Keratiyutwong.

At the same time, United Overseas Bank (Thailand) Co Ltd also signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Mutiara Perlis, PTT and Nathalin.

Malaysian NCER CEO Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the group is committed to support PIP and other supporting infrastructures’ developments. 

“These include Chuping Valley Industrial Area which is adjacent to PIP and nearby industrial parks in Kedah that fall under the purview of NCER, namely the Kedah Rubber City, and Kedah Science and Technology Park,” he stated.

He noted that PIP Phase 1 will have a capacity of 250,000 twenty-foot equivalent units which is double the current facility at Padang Besar, apart from improvement of border clearance facilities, services and space.

Mutiara Perlis is a joint venture between the Perlis government and the private sector to develop transport and energy infrastructures in Perlis.