TANJONG MALIM, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Chinese automotive giant Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd (Geely) to scale up its investment in the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), positioning the site as a key hub in the regional automotive supply chain. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said AHTV’s growth is being driven by national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd’s substantial investment.
“We want AHTV to be a major centre for Geely. I told its chairman Li Shufu that beyond car manufacturing, Geely should also set up a centre of excellence for training and education here,” he said during the launch of Proton’s new electric vehicle (EV) plant.
The ceremony was also attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Anwar emphasised the importance of collaboration between the state government and relevant ministries to ensure the success of AHTV-related projects. He added that Proton’s EV factory will help lower production costs, enabling the company to offer affordable EVs suited to middle-income buyers. “These vehicles will also cater to lower-income groups seeking cars with better features at lower prices,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Proton’s expansion would strengthen its international presence, highlighting Egypt as an example. “In Beijing, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly praised Proton Egypt’s performance, where the brand has become a popular choice among consumers,” Anwar said.
He revealed that discussions are underway for Proton to expand into South Africa and Brazil, with both nations’ leaders — President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa — expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
“I have asked Proton to showcase its technology and capabilities during the summit so foreign leaders and delegations can see firsthand the brand’s strengths, opening doors to more export markets,” Anwar added.
