MIDA and DHL Express Partner to Promote Foreign Direct Investment to Malaysia
Both parties have signed an MOU that extends DHL Express’ role in attracting multinational companies to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 30 March 2023 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to strengthen the country’s position as ideal destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The partnership aims to further consolidate the contribution of the supply chain industry toward national economic growth.
The agreement builds on a longstanding partnership, leveraging DHL Express’ global network and local expertise to attract multinational companies to enter and expand in Malaysia. Both parties are set to intensify joint efforts to drive overseas inflows of capital, infrastructure, and knowledge to develop key priority sectors. These include electrical and electronics, pharmaceutical, digital economy, aerospace, and chemicals.
The MOU was formalised today by Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Investment Promotion and Facilitation of MIDA, and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA was also present as the witness of the ceremony.
In 2022, Malaysia recorded approved investments totalling RM264.6 billion (USD59.9 billion), from 4,454 projects, and creating 140,370 job opportunities. The services sector represented the largest chunk of total approved investments with RM154 billion (USD34.8 billion), followed by RM84.3 billion (USD19.1 billion) in the manufacturing sector. Notably, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was the major contributor to the total approved investments at 61.7% or RM163.3 billion (USD36.9 billion), while Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) contributed 38.3% or RM101.3 billion (USD23 billion); proving that Malaysia continues to inspire confidence and remains a preferred destination for global investors seeking stable, long-term opportunities.
YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA, noted the heightened investor confidence in Malaysia while welcoming MIDA and DHL Express’ renewed partnership.
In his welcoming speech, he stated, “Despite the unexpected challenges that our initial formalised MOU in 2019 encountered with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s signing ceremony reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the robust partnership between MIDA and DHL Express Malaysia. With this new agreement, we are confident that Malaysia will continue to shine brightly as the preferred investment destination for global investors, further solidifying our nation’s position as a beacon of stability, progress and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
“Our stakeholders can also look out for more focused, specific seminars on targeted industries, particularly in key sectors such as green technology, oil and energy, manufacturing, aerospace, e-commerce, as well as global and regional distribution centres. We are hopeful that this strong private and public partnership will help solidify our investors’ confidence and broaden business opportunities. Essentially, ensuring that there is a continuous sustainable stream of quality investment activities in the country in line with our nation’s New Investment Policy.” he added.
Indeed, Malaysia is well ahead of its peers in terms of the depth of its globalisation. According to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022—a study on the flow of trade, people, capital, and information worldwide—Malaysia ranks second (2nd) in Trade Connectivity in Southeast Asia, and 14th out of 171 economies globally. Malaysia is also among the top ten with the largest connectedness improvements over the data period of 2001 to 2021.
“DHL Express’ growth is very much tied to Malaysia’s own since establishing our roots here 50 years ago,” said Julian Neo. “Through our shared history, we experienced a strong economy that has become the fifth largest in ASEAN. The MOU with MIDA reaffirms our collaborative relationship to facilitate the rising investment interest. With presence that spans 220 countries and territories, DHL Express is well equipped to support companies looking to diversify their supply chains in Malaysia.”
DHL Express Malaysia operates a robust aviation and ground network encompassing six gateways, 21 service centers, 185 retail points of sale, more than 300 vehicles, over 60 weekly flights, four dedicated aircrafts, and more than 1,500 employees to ensure comprehensive service coverage.
-ENDS-
About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
About DHL – The Logistics Company for the World
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
For media enquiries, please contact:
MIDA
Mr. Faizal Jalaludin
Director, Foreign Investment Division, MIDA
T: +603-2267 6650
E: [email protected]
DHL Express Malaysia
Tristan Toh
Corporate Communications, Brand, and Sustainability
T: +6012 719 2021
E: [email protected]
Website: dhl.com.my
Facebook: DHL Express Malaysia
Twitter: @DhlExpressMY
Instagram: @dhlexpressmalaysia
