KUALA LUMPUR – Japanese firms’ decision to invest approximately RM6.56 billion will increase the East Asian country’s investment into Malaysia to at least RM30 billion this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s future, Anwar said these high-value investments will create equally high-quality jobs for more Malaysians, in line with the government’s priorities under the Madani Economy framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Japan’s willingness to participate in rebuilding Malaysia.
“I am confident about our shared future in 2024. The Madani Economy envisages a shared prosperity for all who commit to the Madani government’s reform agenda.
“I am optimistic that if all Malaysians work together as one in realising this vision, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” he said in a statement today.
Anwar’s comments come after concluding a successful five-day working visit to Tokyo from December 16 to 21.
In addition to participating in the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit, Anwar also took the opportunity to meet Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako; Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida; as well as the Malaysian diaspora in Japan.
During his inaugural visit to the country, Anwar also spoke at the Asia Zero Emission Community Summit.
Prior to the investment commitment by the Japanese companies, Anwar held one-on-one meetings with Japanese corporations, namely ROHM Wako, NEC Co Ltd (Toshiba) and Mitsui & Co Ltd, and participated in a roundtable with 25 Japanese companies, who expressed further interest to increase their investments in Malaysia.
During the trip, it was also announced that the official Japan–Malaysia relationship is to be elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership status.
This important distinction is reserved for Japan’s most important, strategic relationships. Under this strengthened new partnership, cooperation between Japan and Malaysia is anticipated to expand across a broad swath of economic, defence, science, technology, innovation, environmental and cultural spheres.
The first tangible product of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a ¥400 million (RM13 million) Official Security Assistance grant aid from Japan to enhance Malaysia’s maritime security.
This is in addition to a collaboration pact signed between the Malaysian Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Anwar was supported during this trip by a high-level Malaysian delegation, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; and senior government officials. – December 22, 2023