TOKYO, Dec 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Japan in conjunction with the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit has attracted RM6.56 billion in potential investments.
Based on the meetings with parties there, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Anwar said it is clear that Malaysia-Japan relations are now seeing a new shift in terms of investment, trade, education and technology cooperation.
“The visit to Japan has been a success to be proud of, managing to attract potential investments valued at RM6.56 billion,” he told a press conference at the end of his visit to Japan today.
Along with RM23 billion in potential investments secured during the previous Malaysian delegation’s visit to Japan in June, it brings the cumulative potential investments from visits to the Land of the Rising Sun to RM29.56 billion.
Three Japanese corporations with investments in Malaysia: Rohm Wako, NEC Co Ltd, and Mitsui and Co, have also conveyed their willingness to increase investments during one-on-one meetings on Saturday (December 16).
Anwar said the potential investments could be in the form of new investments or expansion of existing investments.
Asked about the sectors involved in the potential investments worth RM6.56 billion, Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, in attendance at the press conference, said it involved the renewable energy, electrical and electronics, chemicals and digital economy sectors.
Anwar said Japanese investors are now more confident in Malaysia, and some informed him that Japanese media also published a lot of positive reviews about the country.
Japanese companies, including small and medium enterprises, have shown very encouraging responses, including Rohm Wako, which has investments in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.
The Prime Minister said he had assured the electronics company the government would provide the necessary infrastructure to enable it to add a large second-stage investment.
“Since they have been investing there for a long time and are now waiting for the Federal government’s green light to expand their investment, I have strongly encouraged them, and Miti will look at their request so it can be expedited.
“They are also satisfied with the discipline and work ethics of the local workers, which represent another attraction for investors,” he said.
Anwar said the potential investments could be in the form of new investments or expanding existing investments.
On Saturday, Anwar had a face-to-face meeting with the three Japanese corporate companies and industry leaders.
He assured them the government will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable them to add a large second-stage investment.
“Since they have been investing there for a long time and are now waiting for the Federal government’s green light on whether the investment can be expanded, I have strongly encouraged them, and the request will be expedited by Miti as soon as possible.
“They are also satisfied with the discipline and work ethics of the people in Malaysia,” Anwar said, referring to another attraction for investors.
— Bernama
