Northern Corridor Economic Region was established with the aim to accelerate economic growth in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, encompassing the states of Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak and Perlis. Since its inception in 2007, NCER has evolved progressively and consistently, aligned with the government's effort to promote inclusive andsustainable development to reduce regional imbalances and provide equitable economic growth across the country. To sustain this growth momentum and achieve fair wealth distribution, the region continuously spearheads bold measures to pave the way for innovative and sustainable initiatives that contribute to the optimal well-being and shared prosperity of the rakyat. This is achieved by leveraging on the strengths of all four states to form a synergy in enhancing the job creations, encourage entrepreneurship, achieve high income and attract private investments. NCER welcomes foreign investment and business opportunities through a conducive and secured environment for investors. Its close proximity and economic links to key export markets in Asia as well its strategic location makes NCER an attractive destination of any business operations.
About Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA)
The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority is the regional development authority responsible for establishing directions, devising policies and strategies related to the socioeconomic development of NCER through the facilitation of trades and investments to accelerate economic advancement. NCIA drives the growth of NCER towards becoming an excellent economic region by catalysing and implementing high value-added development programmes. To make the region more business-friendly and to further boost domestic and foreign investments into NCER, NCIA provides special tax incentives package for companies undertaking approved activities in the stipulated sectors. The profusion of the human capital development programme is led and facilitated by NCIA to ensure the supply of readily available talent for the industries approved activities in the stipulated sectors.
Our Attributes
Strategic Location
Prominent position within Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand Growth Triangle to facilitate seamless business and trading activities.
Dynamic and Comprehensive Infrastructure
Well-developed infrastructure for smooth connectivity and efficient business operations with widespread transportation, utilities and telecommunication infrastructure.
Global Business Ecosystems
Positioning the region as international business destination attributing to over 40 years presence of various multinational companies in making the region as one of their global hubs.
Providing to more than a third of the nation's paddy demand in addition to significant contribution to other agricultural products and agro-based industries.
Internationally Recognised Tourism Destination
Home to several UNESCO world heritage sites, the region continues to be the preferred holiday spot through an inclusive tourism offerings.
Supplying steady pool of workforce through various integrated tertiary education facilities with upskilling opportunities and on the job trainings at various business establishments.
Future Ready
Being the gamechanger by embracing the latest technology to remain competitive and staying relevant for current and future landscape.
Background and history
In an effort to reduce regional imbalances and provide equitable economic growth across the country, the government established five economic regions during the Ninth Malaysian Plan. NCER was formed in 2007 to leverage on the various economic and social advantages of selected areas in the four northern states of Peninsular Malaysia - Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Penang. NCIA was established as the body tasked to oversee, plan and execute economic and social development strategies in the NCER by focusing on three priority sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing and Services initially. In 2014, the district of Manjung, Perak, was included in NCER; and this was followed by the rest of Perak in 2016. The northern states that form NCER remain as the country's most ideal agricultural location with consistent tropical weather as well as vast and fertile land. All the four states have consistently enjoyed economic prosperity, with the region strategically located, bordering Thailand and facing the Straits of Malacca. NCER has the potential to be a world-class trade destination by leveraging on strong relationships with Sumatra and Thailand. The region's border towns such as Pengkalan Hulu-Betong, Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam-Sadao and Durian Burung-Ban Prakop are gateway towns between Malaysia and Thailand that hold limitless potential for economic and social expansion.
