Oleh/By		:	DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD 
Tempat/Venue 	: 	HILTON HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR 
Tarikh/Date 	: 	12/09/95 
Tajuk/Title  	: 	SIGNING OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN 
			USAHASAMA PROTON - DRB SDN. 



        I am pleased to witness the agreement of yet another
    undertaking that promotes the transfer of technology to
    Malaysian shores.

    2.   Technology is clearly the cornerstone of progress.
    Malaysia,  as  a newly emerging industrialised  nation,
    should  certainly  strive to acquire  technology.   The
    determination   to   acquire   new   technologies   and
    specialised skills will pave the way for development of
    our industries and our economy.

    3.        Today's signing of various agreements between
    Usahasama  Proton - DRB Sdn. Bhd., Perusahaan  Otomobil
    Nasional  Sdn. Bhd  and  Automobiles  Citroen  marks  a
    historic  milestone  in  our  nation's  journey towards
    industrialisation.
    
    4.         Not only does it herald another step forward
    in  the  development  of  the national  car,  but  more
    significantly,  it  is  the  beginning  of  a  new  and
    exciting  future for the Malaysian automotive industry;
    a  promising future spiced by the infusion of  European
    automotive technology.
    
    5.   Experience has demonstrated how the acquisition of
    knowledge   and   skills  can   be   achieved   through
    collaborative  ventures.  In fact, in  just  ten  short
    years,  the Malaysian automotive industry has  advanced
    to a very high degree of competency.
    
    6.    One shining example is Proton.  It pioneered  the
    evolution of the local automotive industry way back  in
    1985.   Having  captured more than  70%  of  the  local
    passenger  car  market, Proton has now  advanced  to  a
    level  where  it  can play a significant  role  in  the
    automotive world.  That this is so is evidenced by  the
    number  of  well-known  foreign automakers  seeking  to
    collaborate with Proton.
    
    7.    Another milestone was achieved when Proton teamed
    up  with DRB to form USPD.  Through their collaborative
    ventures,   USPD   has  successfully  produced   almost
    entirely  with  Malaysian expertise a  three-door  Wira
    model  -  the  Satria.  And very soon, the public  will
    have the choice of another innovative car.
    
    8.    Today,  we  are witnessing the progress  of  such
    productive partnerships.
    
    9.    Essentially,  collaboration  between  progressive
    corporate entities acts as a catalyst for the growth of
    core  industries.  In turn, this spawns a multitude  of
    economic activities including:
    
    -   The  emergence of support industries  and  vendor
        development programmes;
    -   The  enhancement  of  local  design, research and
        development capability; and
    -   The  access  to  regional and  global trading and
        capital networks.
    
    10.   I  am  confident this new venture will thrust  us
    into  the next millenium with confidence.  It will also
    provide  us  the  opportunity to  acquire  new  skills,
    explore new markets and help us to compete on a  global
    footing.
    
    11.   The  level of technology transfer agreed upon  by
    all   parties   is  highly  commendable.    Automobiles
    Citroen,  renowned  the world over for  its  innovative
    approach to automotive engineering, will surely  add  a
    new dimension to the development of our national car.
    
    12.  In closing, I wish to congratulate all parties for
    the initiative and insight shown in undertaking such  a
    bold and exciting venture and I wish them every success
    for the future.