[ 23-03-2017 ]
Parliament: PM Najib Set To Unveil Digital Free-trade Policy - Ka Chuan
KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to unveil the Digital Free-Trade Policy when he launches the first Digital Free-Trade Zone tomorrow, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said on the whole, the policy would have an impact on the courier and delivery services, and e-commerce industry.
"In 2016, 112 companies were licensed to provide courier services, and approvals for new licences continue in 2017," he said, adding that the pricing would take into account of the fuel costs borne by the companies providing the services.
The government strives to boost the competitiveness of companies in various fields in line with Malaysia's rapid growth, he said when responding to a question from Wong Sze Phin (DAP-Kota Kinabalu) on the development of online and courier services in the country.
On Monday, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan told the Dewan Rakyat that the contribution of the digital economy to the country's gross domestic product reached 17.8 per cent in 2015, almost achieving the target of 18.2 per cent set for 2020.
The implementation of the first Digital Free-Trade Zone was announced by the Prime Minister in the 2017 Budget.
The event is expected to be attended by Alibaba Founder Jack Ma who was appointed as Malaysia's digital economy adviser by Najib during his visit to China last year to help spearhead the country's e-commerce development.
-- BERNAMA