Kuala Lumpur: British minister for international development Alan Duncan has given the thumbs up to the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), saying that Britain was committed to doubling its bilateral trade volume with Malaysia.

The ETP, he said, had boosted Malaysia's image at the international level as the country moved towards becoming a more sustainable and "green" country.

"Previously, I have worked in the region for almost 25 years and I have seen massive and exciting changes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over.

"The Iskandar project, particularly, is the perfect example of the changes and we are looking forward to collaborate with Malaysia to developed the smart city," he said after launching the Smart Cities Smart Living Seminar yesterday.

On Tuesday, Najib witnessed the signing of the latest deals for various projects in Iskandar with investments of up to RM46bil.

Among them are the creation of a motorsports city, nanotechnology-based industries, mixed development areas, development of prime waterfront property, a trade and exhibition centre, communications and ICT infrastructure, and a global innovation centre.

Asked about the visibility of Malaysian investors in acquiring the project to redevelop London's Battersea Power Station, Duncan said that "it was great news for Malaysia and has improved the image of the country in the UK".

"For a Malaysian company to develop and focus on a project that is so iconic, it gives a great Malaysian label in London," he said.

A consortium made up of Sime Darby Berhad, SP Setia Berhad and the Employes Provident Fund bought the building and surrounding land in July for £400mil (RM1.9bil).

Duncan is leading a delegation that comprises representatives from 30 companies to Malaysia to showcase the strength of British manufacturing and services. The focus is on urban development.