While foreign and domestic investments continue to pour into Selangor, the state is planning several industry cluster spanning logistics, steel, biotechnology, research and port related services, information technology and automotive.

In the next few months, an existing automotive centre in Hulu Selangor will see dozens of automotive parts vendors to Perodua and Proton set up their operations in what is called the Industrial Area for Perodua and Proton Vendors.

The move to cluster auto vendors to complement Proton City in Tanjung Malim and the Perodua plant in Serendah, is expected to create 1,500 new job opportunities when 30 auto-related businesses move in next year.

Turning northern Selangor into an auto hub has already found support from two large local automotive players - Perodua and Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd., a local partner to Nissan of Japan.

Also located nearby is SIRIM owned Rasa Machinery and Equipment Technolgy (RAMET), which is the most advanced machinery and equipment research centre in the region.

"The spinoff on the local economy in that area is already evident, with the Nissan factory slated to hire 1,000 personnel next year, which in turn will spark demand for housing, shop and support services in the Hulu Selangor area," said Dato' Mhd. Jabar Ahmad Kembali, General Manager, SSIC Berhad.

Looking ahead, SSIC is turning its attention towards creating new industry clusters to leverage on Selangor's advanced state of physical development. "We can't just wait for FDI and local investment to come knocking at our door, so we need to drive new projects that add value to our existing infrastructure", added Dato' Jabar who cited three industry clusters that SSIC is already working on besides the automotive industry.

Dato' Jabar went on to say that Lion Group's Megasteel plant in Kuala Langat can already be dubbed a Steel Village, which supplies directly to downstream users.

Meanwhile, in the port sector, Pulau Indah near Port Klang is developed as a specialty industrial park. It will focus on port-related support services that span logistics, warehousing and a raft of other support industries.

Biotechnology is also given a strong push by SSIC. The objective being to promote Selangor as an attractive investment destination for biotechnology as well as given local SMEs the opportunity to play a more active role in this industry.

Dato' Jabar added, "we are also focusing on advancements in IT in line with Selangor Maju. To this end, we are working with the private sector to set up an IT City in the near future.

Established in 1999, SSIC Berhad playrole as a one-stop-agency for investors seeking to set up operations in the state, where inter-agency clearance and approvals are expedited by SSIC. At same time, the agency provides advice to investors while helping them solve development problems on the ground.