KANGAR: Solid cooperation between the federal government and the state government is crucial towards realising Perlis' economic potential.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said Perlis, despite being the smallest state in the country, has a strategic advantage in developing targeted sectors that suit its geographical location.
He said Perlis has the potential to develop key sectors such as agriculture, logistics, manufacturing and renewable energy.
"In my view, as a person from the corporate world, Perlis is small but unique. It borders southern Thailand.
"The state is not big, but it still has sizeable land. Perlis also has the highest daily sun cover in the country. There will be a port in Sanglang, while Penang Port is also not far away.
"That's why Perlis has a strategic advantage to develop a varied economy," he said in a press conference after attending the 13th National Plan (RMK-13) engagement session with Perlis civil servants here today.
Rafizi said Perlis could become an extension of Penang's industry given its potential to host large-scale solar farms.
"Although small, Perlis has strategic advantages. Properly driven, it can vary its economy faster than some states.
"We are looking at a balance of agricultural, logistic, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors in a comprehensive package," he said.
Rafizi hoped the state government would extend its cooperation to develop its potential.
"What we need now is to focus on developing a diverse package and build the scale. It will not happen in one or two years, but I hope to work with the state government to develop Perlis' strategic advantage to develop a varied economy even if it takes 10 to 15 years."