Wan Rosdy: ECRL to open new doors for east coast entrepreneurs

East Coast entrepreneurs can anticipate a surge in economic opportunities with the opening of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in December. Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, the National Entrepreneur and MSME Development Council special adviser and Pahang menteri besar, highlighted the link's potential to boost commerce, tourism, logistics and trade in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Spanning from Kuala Lumpur to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal, the ECRL is slated to launch on December 12.

Wan Rosdy emphasized that the rail connection will not only facilitate smoother transportation but also stimulate economic activity, bolster supply chains, and expand businesses. Particularly, MSMEs in sectors like food and beverage, accommodation, transportation, goods supply, and support services stand to benefit. The adviser urged entrepreneurs to start preparing early, enhance service quality, and ensure their offerings align with market demands.

He also suggested leveraging business gatherings to explore potential collaborations and capitalize on the stronger cooperation in marketing, product distribution, raw material supply, and market expansion.

Recognizing the evolving business landscape, Wan Rosdy stressed the need for entrepreneurs to adapt to rising costs, global uncertainties, supply chain shifts, and shifting consumer demands. He encouraged them to embrace technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve marketing, customer service, sales analysis, and operational management.

To ensure the aid is relevant, Wan Rosdy emphasized the importance of engaging directly with entrepreneurs to understand their needs and challenges. The dialogue aimed to foster a solution-oriented approach, delivering tangible benefits to the business community.