Egypt eyes Malaysian development model

21 October 2009 , By New Straits Times

MACHANG: Egypt is keen to harness Malaysian expertise in drawing up master plans for development along the Malaysian model similar to that in Putrajaya and the Iskandar project in Johor Baru, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said here.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect was signed between parties from both countries when he led a mission to the Middle East last week, he said.

"Malaysia was represented by a housing development company with experience in development in both the areas," he told reporters after opening an Aidilfitri reception at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kelantan, here last night.

Mustapa said the Egyptian government intended to develop a new township based on the Malaysian model in one of its cities.
He also said that during the visit of the mission, Malaysia was invited to participate in the construction of a RM3.3-billion airport in Doha, Qatar, adding that the construction contracts would provide job opportunities for Malaysians.

Mustapa, who is also chairman of the Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee, said Kelantan Umno would strive to endear itself to Kelantanese working outside the state as one of three strategies of the Barisan Nasional (BN) to recapture the state from PAS in the next general election.

He said the other two strategies were to register new Umno members as voters and give priority to the dissemination of information on current issues and the future of Malays and Islam.