KUALA LUMPUR – The International Trade and Industry Ministry will streamline its strategies and focus to ensure foreign investors continue to invest in Malaysia and not shift their investments elsewhere.
International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said the government has always taken proactive steps in attracting foreign investments.
Malaysia did well in 2021 with total approved investments of RM309.4 billion and RM264.6 billion last year, he noted.
“Of the total investments in 2022, foreign investors contributed 61.7%, or RM163.3 billion, while domestic investments comprised 38.3%, or RM101.3 billion.
“The approved investments have the potential to generate 140,370 jobs,” he told Parliament.
Liew said Southeast Asia has been a beneficiary of the shift away by European and American firms from China through the “China+1” model as the region is seen as an alternative to China.
Companies from China which are suppliers to United States and European firms have also chosen Southeast Asia as an investment destination, he added.
“This is an opportunity for Malaysia to be a high-income nation with an economic ecosystem that is dynamic.
“Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia which enables wide market access is among the factors supporting Malaysia as an investment destination,” he said. – Bernama, March 13, 2023
