Seven powerhouse organisations from Malaysia and China – which includes the Kedah investment arm, Invest Kedah Sdn Bhd – signed a Head of Agreement (HOA) ,valued at a staggering US$20 billion, to catalyse industrial and technological synergies between the two nations under the China-Malaysia ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ initiative.
The partnership is conjunction with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, marking a transformative milestone for regional development and economic integration. For Kedah, it represents a golden opportunity to showcase its industrial capabilities and enhances the state’s ability to attract high-value foreign investments.
“Kedah is proud to play a strategic role in this historic partnership. With our robust infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and emerging green industrial zones, we are ready to welcome global investors and usher in a new era of growth,” said Invest Kedah chief operating officer Noor Ikhsan.
The dynamic consortium of organisations committed to the initiative will assume specific roles as follows:
- Invest Kedah Sdn Bhd – Focuses on facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting Kedah’s industrial zones.
- Industrial Globalisation Alliance – Leading the overall strategic cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) framework.
- Shenchen Government Procurement Association – Overseeing strategic planning and industrial recourse integration from the Chinese side.
- AREA Real Estate Advisory Sdn Bhd – Coordinating industrial development in Kedah and managing investor engagement.
- Malaysia Promas International Business Society (PROMAS) – Spearheading promotion of the US$20 billion investment plan and assisting with HALAL certification for manufacturers.
- Malaysia-Shamchun Chamber of Commerce – Facilitating cross-border communication between Malaysian companies and the Shenzhen delegation.
- The Marq International Sdn Bhd – Appointed as the exclusive real estate partner for land acquisition and site readiness for industrial projects.
The ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ initiative is a flagship project under China’s BRI, which is designed to deepen trade, industry and technology partnerships between the two countries.
However, Kedah’s industrial offering takes centre stage through two premium developments within the Kedah Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah:
- PENTAS Industrial City Green-managed Industrial Park, spanning 1,546 acres by DELAPAN
- Qew Smart Integrated Industrial Park, spanning 258 acres by Qew Group
The parks represent a new generation of smart, green industrial ecosystems, ready-to-host sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green technologies, logistics and halal-certified production.
Meanwhile, Invest Kedah will continue to play a crucial role as the bridge between investors and the state’s economic vision, which mainly comprises facilitating investor entry into Kedah, offering advisory and infrastructure support, streamlining investment approvals as well as connecting investors to local business networks and incentives.
Moreover, with the help of PROMAS and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Kedah is uniquely positioned to support halal-certified industries seeking global expansion, such as Shenzhen-based companies that are looking to explore new consumer markets.
From the collaboration, it would also support job creation, technology transfer and the enhancement of regional industrial value chains. By 2027, the partnership aims to fully realise its investment target, cementing Malaysia’s position – particularly Kedah – as a critical node in Shenzhen’s global expansion strategy.
“This agreement is not only about investment numbers, but also about long-term transformation. We’re building a sustainable future for Kedah, Malaysia and our international partners,” Noor Ikhsan stated.