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November 17, 2009 18:10 PM

Matrade Centre Set To Boost Malaysia's MICE Industry, Says Mustapa

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The RM628 million Matrade Centre in Jalan Duta here, is expected to place Malaysia as one of the fastest growing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions (MICE) destinations in the region.

The Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said upon completion, it will become the largest exhibition centre in Malaysia.

The project is being undertaken by Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd.

"The Matrade Centre will boost our presence in the MICE industry, which is currently lagging behind a bit, compared to some countries," Mustapa said at the signing of an agreement between the Malaysian government and Naza TTDI here today.

He said the Matrade Centre definitely had vast potential to draw more world-class players from the international convention industry to Malaysia.

He said the centre with a total gross floor area of one million square feet is able to cater to large exhibitions in a single location.

"The Matrade Centre will create a new iconic development for the country," he stated.

The Matrade Centre is expected to be completed within the next three years and will comprise three floors of exhibition space to cater to 12 exhibition halls.

Meanwhile, Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd chairman, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said the Matrade Centre will be conveniently linked to the existing Menara Matrade.

"It will offer the country a suitable venue to host major heavy industries and advanced technology exhibitions, in line with the government's vision to elevate Malaysia to the status of a regional hub for trade fairs, exhibitions and conventions," he added.

He said construction of the centre is expected to start in the first quarter of next year.

Apart from having the three floors of exhibition space, the centre will also house a multi-purpose hall, plenary hall, meeting rooms and display areas.

According to SM Nasarudin,besides building the Matrade Centre, Naza TTDI is also planning to construct a mixed development project surrounding it.

He said the project is on a 65-acre site leased by the goverment for 99 years to the company, in return for constructing the Matrade centre.

The mixed development project comprising hotels, offices, residences and shopping malls has a gross development value (GDV) of RM15 billion, spanning a 10-year period.

-- BERNAMA

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