China and Malaysia have started construction on the $13bn East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia, which is being developed as a part of China's 'Belt and Road' initiative.

The 688km rail line will run through the Peninsular Malaysia and is expected to connect various ports at the South China Sea towards the Thailand border in the east with the Straits of Malacca's shipping routes in the west, reported Reuters.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was quoted by Bernama as saying: “The ECRL project also sets the tone for an economic spin-off effect and positive social impact for the east coast states.

“It will be a catalyst for economic equality between the west and east coast as it will stimulate investment, spur commercial activities, create ample jobs, facilitate quality education and boost tourism in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.”

"It will stimulate investment, spur commercial activities, create ample jobs, facilitate quality education and boost tourism in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan."

The project is being built by transportation infrastructure group China Communications Construction.

A loan from China Exim Bank is set to finance 85% of the development, while the remaining 15% funding will be procured through a bond programme managed by local investment banks.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

China's Belt and Road initiative intends to develop a modern ‘Silk Road’ pathway to connect China with Southeast Asia and Central Asia via land, and to the Middle East through shipping routes.

Razak said that the ECRL will connect key economic industrial areas such as the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and Gambang Halal Park in Pahang, Kertih Biopolymer Park (Terengganu) and Tok Bali Integrated Fisheries Park (Kelantan) with the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The ECRL is expected to be completed by 2024.