THE Malaysian construction fraternity needs to strongly consider and support bidding for and tapping into niche opportunities in the fast-growing construction industry in Uganda.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ong Kian Ming said the ministry would continue to encourage the private sector to venture into Africa, including Uganda, as it remains committed to the South-South Cooperation.

“Over the last 10 years, rapid development in Malaysia has produced many construction industry players of international standards in terms of capabilities, experience, and expertise.

“Last year alone, Malaysian construction companies won 23 projects worth RM1.94 billion in 13 countries, including Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Qatar, and Sri Lanka,” he said in his speech at the Uganda Eco Satellite City Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present were Ugandan Minister of State for Urban Development Isaac Musumba, Ugandan High Commissioner to Malaysia Dorothy Samali Hyuha, and Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation chief executive officer Wan Latiff Wan Musa.

Ong said the services sector has been earmarked as Malaysia’s next engine for growth, and is expected to contribute 56.7% to the country’s gross domestic products, with its construction services being highly regarded, especially in developing nations, particularly in the mixed development of residential and commercial areas, roads and infrastructure, and power plants.

He said he believed many Malaysian developers would explore the opportunities in Uganda and use them as a launchpad for other projects in other parts of East Africa.

“With Uganda’s fast-growing economy, which grew not less than 6% for the past 20 years and the recent discovery of oil and gas, it is very much believed this will be the right time for Malaysian companies to invest and expose themselves to its market of 40 million population for a good return on their investment,” he added.

A feasibility study on Uganda’s Eco Satellite City was conducted by Malaysian Incorporated Services Bhd (Malaysian Inc) and supported by Matrade’s Services Export Fund.

Malaysian Inc, a brainchild of the National Professional Services Export Council, whose secretariat is housed at Matrade, aims to provide Malaysian service providers a platform to tap into projects overseas.

Malaysian Inc chairman Esa Mohamed said following the completion of the feasibility study, qualified Malaysian construction companies could now join Malaysian Inc, which acts as a consortium, to participate in the project.

Esa said the project is one of the major developments initiated by the Ugandan government spanning 485.63ha of land near the capital city of Kampala, planned to be a mixed development consisting residential, commercial, government offices, malls, schools, hospitals and other amenities.

“The project, which is expected to commence this year with a gross development value of about US$20 billion (RM81.4 billion), would be developed in a few phases that have yet to be determined.

“The Malaysian construction sector is set to benefit from the development as priority would be given to Malaysian companies involved in consultancy services, project management, construction services, solid waste management, water supply, power plants, and other related services, among others,” he said. – Bernama, February 20, 2019.