In today's article we are going to delve into the topic of Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle, a question that has sparked great interest in recent times. From its origins to the present, Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle has been the subject of debate and analysis in various fields, from politics to science, including culture and society in general. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives and approaches that have been given to Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle over time, as well as its impact and relevance in the contemporary world. Through an exhaustive and rigorous analysis, we will seek to shed light on this exciting and complex topic, with the aim of providing our readers with a comprehensive and updated vision of Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle.
The Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) started as an early attempt at economic liberalisation & integration in ASEAN. It was formally endorsed by Indonesia’s President Suharto, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad and Thailand’s Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in 1993.
The IMT-GT is a strategic framework of international economic co-operation by the approval of leaders from the 3 countries to develop the area in the southern part of Thailand, some areas of Malaysia (Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Penang, Selangor, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan) and some areas of Indonesia (Aceh, North Sumatera, West Sumatera, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Lampung) to become ‘the sub-region of continuous development, progress, wealth, peace and quality of life’ according to the five-year IMT-GT Roadmap ( 2007–2011).
The Asian Development Bank subsequently undertook a detailed feasibility study & formulated the framework for co-operation. The study concluded that the IMT-GT had great potential to stimulate cross-border economic integration in 6 priority areas, namely: Infrastructure Development; Agriculture & Fisheries; Trade; Tourism; Human Resource Development; and Professional Services.
The IMT-GT Joint Business Council (IMT-GT JBC) was inaugurated in 1995 as the official vehicle to mobilise private sector participation & involvement in the IMT-GT. Between 1995–2005, the IMT-GT JBC facilitated the investment of an estimated US$3.80 billion worth of new projects in the IMT-GT region.
The overall goal of the IMT-GT is to accelerate private sector-led economic growth in the IMT-GT region by: