PENANG (March 21, 2008): Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says the Penang government is not only a friend to its citizens but also to investors in the industrial sectors as well.
Lim said it is important to assure the industry that the state government is their friend, be it they are Penangnites or otherwise.
"As long as you want to invest in Penang and to help its growth, we welcome you. And we will offer our assistance so that we can achieve this common objective to arrive at a win-win solution," he said after officiating at the Intrenationale Industrial Expo and iBusiness Solutions 2008, incorporating Print and Pack Expo today in the Penang International Sports Arena.
He added that the expo will be a boost to the state's trade and industry, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which contributes to more than 42% of Penang's economy and also revitalise the tourism sector.
"The Prime Minister announced in Budget 2008 last year that Malaysia's manufacturing sector grew by 3.8% without taking into account the likelihood of a recession in the United States. The state government believes that for it to become, once again a bustling manufacturing hub, it is critical for the state to be growing at a rate much faster than the national average," Lim said.
To achieve the objectives, he said the state government will look into several areas to boost the attractiveness of the state as an exhibition and conference centre, including boosting road and air connectivity to and from the state, and the transport infrastructure within the state.
On the new state government occupying offices with no files available, he appealed to trade associations to hand up memorandum and updated proposals, as they would need some sort of guidelines to get the work done.
Asked on efforts made by the new government to reverse the brain drain, Lim said: "As a government operating on basic principles of integrity, attracting talents who want to help develop and prosper Penang, we want to stress that proposals submitted will be decided based on merit.
"All proposals should be holistic, not only help reverse the brain drain, but also attract investments. The proposal should ensure job opportunities fitting their (workers) qualification and experience.
"It cannot be viewed from one dimension only, but multi-dimension. It's no longer mono-tasking, but multitasking," Lim told reporters.
The trade show, today and tomorrow, features some 50 new product launches with more than 300 brands from more than 20 countries are being displayed. More than 10,000 small and medium entrepreneurs are attending the 9th edition of the trade show.
Guan Eng joins Christians to observe Good Friday
PENANG (March 21, 2008): Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng joined thousands of Christians to observe Good Friday services in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Island Park of Jalan Mesjid Negri.
Lim arrived at noon and spent about an hour in the church. He left after the Way of the Cross as he had another official engagement.
Speaking to reporters later, Lim, who is a Christian, said his visit was in line with the state government's official attitude to respect and honour all religions.
"Good Friday is a day of prayer and reverance for all Christians and I came as a sign of respect for this day.
"I did the same for the Maulidur Rasul celebrations since Islam is the official religion of the federation. My presence is to offer my simple prayer and also to honour Good Friday which is a very important day for all Christians," he added.
Minda Global Blogger
Friday, March 21, 2008
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
