KUALA KEDAH: Kedah Integrated Fishery Terminal (KIFT) project, a joint venture effort between the state government and China Qingdao-based company, will help modernise fishing industry in the country, particularly in Kedah.
China's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang said he believed the RM3 billion project would transform the state into an international fisheries centre within 10 years.
"The integrated terminal will promote Kedah as an international fisheries hub and attract more investments from the region to Malaysia and Kedah.
"By bringing in world-class aquaculture and fishery technology will directly upgrade the industry and its facilities in the country.
"After observation, I realised that the equipment and vessels used here are lagging behind, many are still using the traditional equipment in the 60s.
"The high-technology used in KIFT can help modernise the industry," Huang told reporters after attending the briefing session presented by Lu Haifeng Investment Co Ltd executive director Li Bin, here, this morning.
He said KIFT will be a mutual benefits investment for Malaysia and China as well as its citizens.
Present was Invest Kedah advisor Datuk Dr Cheah Soon Hai.
KIFT involves construction of fishery commercial terminal, trading market, cold storage chain logistic base, aquatic product processing base, supply and preparation base, supporting marine foodtech, leisure and tourism service area and other facilities in one based port.