Delay in TRX rollout not an issue: InvestKL

KUALA LUMPUR: InvestKL, which is confident of attracting more than 13 multinational companies (MNCs) to set up here this year does not foresee the delay seen in the rollout of the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) as an issue in attracting investors, said its CEO Zainal Amanshah.
The TRX, which was earlier known as Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD), unveiled in 2010 as a component in the government's Economic Transformation Plan (ETP), with an estimated RM26 billion gross development value.
1Malaysia Development Bhd only called for investors to submit proposals for Stage 1 development of TRX in December last year.
"It is not an issue (for us) to attract MNCs. There are so many business hubs available around Kuala Lumpur such as Bangsar South, KL Sentral, KLCC and more,"
Zainal told reporters during a media tour organised by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in collaboration with InvestKl and the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), which showcases the progress of Greater Kuala Lumpur, here yesterday. Also present were the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib.
Zainal said the agency, which was set up to attract multinational companies (MNCs) to invest in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, managed to secure seven MNCs this year to set up their regional headquarters here.
"Our target for this year is to bring in more than 13 MNCs. So far, we have got seven (MNCs). The progress is good and these players are involved in oil and gas, engineering and business services," he said.
"We have a very good pipeline. The secret is we handhold the MNCs. When we handhold, we bring (them) the best of KL and they really find it as good business and value," he said, adding that the agency's key performance indicator was to attract 10 MNCs per year.
Zainal said since inception in July 2011, InvestKL has brought in 38 MNCs, 6,385 high-skilled jobs and realised investments of RM639.44 million.
"We are very actively conducting roadshows as part of our effort in attracting MNCs to Kuala Lumpur. One of our efforts is to meet those (MNCs) directly. Our competition is Singapore and Hong Kong," he said.
Zainal said the top reason for MNCs investments here is the good business environment, attractive cost of doing business and good talent programme.
He said InvestKL will collaborate with local universities and Talent Corp to attract good talent.