Amongst the four proposed IMT-GT economic connectivity corridors, the Straits of
Melaka Economic Corridor, connecting provinces in southern Thailand and states in
Peninsula Malaysia along the western coast, is relatively most advanced in terms of
transport connectivity. Cross border trading arrangements between the two countries are
also relatively well developed, with an active platform for bilateral discussions in the Joint
Development Strategy. There is, nonetheless, substantial room for improvement in the
software of transport connectivity, as well as in seeking to convert this transport corridor
into a truly economic corridor. Analogous to the Silicon Valley for IT industry, this corridor
can potentially develop into a dynamic regional and even global "Halal Highway". The
proposed study of logistical constraints (para vi above) can be used to identify specific areas
of further policy dialog and cooperation initiatives related to improving and strengthening
cross-border trading arrangements.