A key factor that has pushed Chinese solar companies to invest in Malaysia is that solar panels made there do not invite heavy duties in the US and Europe, as those made in China do.

Located in Penang Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, the first production line has an annual capacity of 400 megawatts, creating more than 700 jobs for local people.

JA Solar has now begun construction on the second phase of the factory.

Jin said Penang's strategic location in Southeast Asia, its accessibility to airports and seaports and the availability of reliable infrastructure support the additional manufacturing capacity.

The company also plans to focus on markets in India, West Asia and Southeast Asia, Jin said.

Last year, it shipped 100-MW solar modules to Pakistan's first solar power station to feed growing electricity demand.

The station was connected to the grid when President Xi paid a state visit to Pakistan in April.

The Nasdaq-listed company said its solar cells and modules are sold in more than 80 countries.

lvchang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 03/16/2016 page6)