01/06/2011 (Bernama) - The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) recorded RM3.23 billion worth of investments via private sector participation between January and April.

"The initiatives have created a total of 18,930 jobs for locals living in the area and the Gross National Income is expected to reach RM13.03 billion by 2020," said Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) Chief Executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak Tuesday.

To date, the region has attracted RM10.71 billion worth of investments since its launch in 2009.

"We are strategically working with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority to attract more investments and we are focusing on four key thrust areas to lead and develop the region further," he said at the launch of the NCER Business Opportunity Showcase by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Redza said NCIA was committed to ensure that social and sustainable objectives were kept as priorities driving economic growth with the focus on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and logistics.