SINGAPORE, Cross-border infrastructure development needs to have an efficient and effective governance structure to overcome constraints that may exist due to environmental, community and economic factors, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Nanta said any government and stakeholders involved in development projects between two or more countries also need to have a policy and planning framework, and give priority to efficient regional cooperation.

“In addition, the ability of the environment that enables cross-border projects, including the coordination of regulations and legislation for mutual benefit, needs to be created.

“The government and stakeholders involved also need to optimise the financial structure taking into account the specific benefits and risks for cross-border projects,” he said on Tuesday.

Nanta said this at the first panel session of the Asian Infrastructure Forum (AIF) 2024, which focused on the theme of ‘Framing Asia’s Green Transition’.

In the one-hour session,
he also emphasised on the important role of infrastructure as a key enabler in achieving the green transition initiative.

Nanta said infrastructure is not only the basis for economic growth and national development, but the well-being of the people also begins with the availability of access to sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

He said the construction of national infrastructure should also be resilient to ensure high quality and sustainable infrastructure facilities in the face of any uncertainty due to climate change and natural disasters.

Nanta is in Singapore from Sunday to lead the Malaysian delegation to the World Cities Summit (WCS) and AIF 2024, which ends on Tuesday.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency