Catalytic Projects Can Spur More Partnerships, Boost Nation's Attractiveness - PM Najib

ISKANDAR PUTERI (Johor, Malaysia), Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (centre) believes that catalytic projects such as Fastrackcity here and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail will not only attract more partnerships in the future but also boost the country's attractiveness in the region. Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said Fastrackcity, which is considered a major milestone in the development of Malaysia's motorsports industry, would also create more opportunities for the people. He also pointed out that Fastrackcity was an example of "innovative development" that the country needed to become a high-income nation by 2020. "This (project) will help drive the technology development and create a strong platform for us to groom our local engineering crews, technicians and designers to enhance our competitiveness in the region," he said in his speech at the launch of Fastrackcity design at Pinewood Studios here, Tuesday. Apart from that, Fastrackcity is set to create business and job opportunities for Malaysians in tourism and other related industries such as maintenance and performance tuning workshops, hospitality and retail. "It is anticipated that 1,200 jobs will be created from the development of Fastrackcity and it could lead to 350,000 more tourists coming to our country every year," he added. It would also complement Malaysia's world-renowned tracks such as the Sepang International Circuit, he said, adding that new opportunities for aspiring racers would emerge and ultimately create a bigger pool of racing talent for Asia and ASEAN in particular. Najib also commended the project as a good example of a Malaysia-Singapore collaboration. "This is a good example of Malaysia and Singapore working together, one of many, and something which the previous leadership was rather reluctant to embark on. But I welcome the fact that under Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and myself, we have put aside the petty quarrels of the past decade," he said. Furthermore, Najib said both parties were determined to nurture and celebrate this new spirit of collaboration especially those that benefited the people of both countries. Fastrackcity, which will be developed on a 120-hectare land, is expected to be completed in 2019. The motorsports city will also have a 4.45-kilometre racing track, that receives a Grade 1 rating from the Federation Internationale Automobile, which allows F1 race to be held. The project, which is a joint-venture between FASTrack Autosports (Iskandar)Pte Ltd and UEM Land Bhd, was initially announced back in 2012. (photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA