2. The Straits of Melaka Economic Corridor
The Straits of Melaka Economic Corridor is important for expanding connectivity—physical, economic, commercial–between southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Due to the proximity of this corridor to Sumatera, there is considerable potential for complementation in various stages of the production chain with the Indonesian subregion of the IMT–GT, especially if a series of economic and industrial zones are established at strategic points along the corridor. This corridor can also serve as a food hub, especially as a halal food hub with a number of food terminals and integrated food centers being planned within the corridor. The corridor can be transformed into a coastal belt development zone.