MIDA Celebrates Malaysia’s Top Ranking in Global Investment Conditions by Milken Institute

In Emerging and Developing Asia, Malaysia excels, especially in Financial Services and Institutional Framework, surpassing the regional average.

Globally ranked 5th for Investors’ Rights, highlighting Malaysia’s dedication to securing a trustworthy investment environment.

High rankings in Business Perception, Financial Services, and Institutional Framework categories underscore Malaysia as a comprehensive investment destination.

Malaysia stands above the rest in Emerging and Developing Asia by exceeding the average in all GOI categories, showcasing its broad-based appeal.

With solid investment conditions, Malaysia offers a relatively lower-risk environment, promising stability and growth potential.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15 March 2024 – In light of the recent Global Opportunity Index (GOI) 2024 report by the Milken Institute, which distinguished Malaysia as the leading nation among Asia’s emerging and developing countries in terms of overall investment conditions, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) proudly acknowledges this landmark achievement. Malaysia’s commendable global rank of 27, surpassing regional competitors like Thailand and China, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s economic development journey.

Highlighted in the report, Malaysia emerges as a standout among the top ten (10) countries in emerging and developing Asia, boasting a strong institutional framework and balanced strengths across economic, financial, and regulatory domains. Surpassing its counterparts in all five (5) categories of the Global Opportunity Index, Malaysia offers a comparatively lower-risk investment landscape, setting it apart from other developing Asian markets.

This prestigious ranking is a direct reflection of the relentless efforts by the Malaysian Government, spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), with MIDA playing a crucial role in enhancing the ease of doing business and smoothing out the investment process across the nation. From extensive trade and investment missions to forging international partnerships, Malaysia’s concerted efforts are bearing fruit, unlocking potential investments worth billions. Notably, the recent strategic Working Visit to Germany, led by the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, marked a significant milestone with prospective investments amounting to RM45.4 billion. This venture, coupled with a similarly fruitful mission to Australia, which resulted in commitments from Australian companies to invest RM24.5 billion, underscores Malaysia’s adeptness in navigating the international investment landscape.

A Commitment to Excellence and Continuous Improvement

MIDA has been at the forefront of implementing strategies and initiatives aimed at improving Malaysia’s investment landscape. By focusing on reducing bureaucratic hurdles, enhancing transparency, and ensuring a competitive and supportive environment for both domestic and international investors, MIDA has contributed significantly to this international recognition.

“MIDA is dedicated to building upon this success by continually enhancing our services and support systems for investors,” said Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA. “Our goal is to not only maintain Malaysia’s position as a prime investment destination in Asia but also to elevate our standing on the global stage. We are devoted to making Malaysia the ultimate investment sweet spot by ensuring a more seamless and efficient investment process across the nation.”

In alignment with the sentiments expressed by the MITI Minister YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, MIDA reiterates its commitment to addressing the key pain points along the investor’s journey and optimising the investment climate in Malaysia. Future initiatives will focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring Malaysia remains attractive to sectors that are pivotal for future economic growth, aligning with policies in place such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Twelfth Malaysia Plan.

MIDA’s strategic approach includes enhancing partnerships, both locally and internationally, to foster a collaborative investment environment. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to secure Malaysia’s position as the gateway to Asia for investors seeking growth, innovation, and sustainability.The recognition by the Milken Institute underscores the effectiveness of Malaysia’s economic policies and the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry players, and the investment community. MIDA, in collaboration with MITI and other Ministries and Agencies at both federal and state levels, will continue to drive forward Malaysia’s investment agenda and ease-of-doing-business, leveraging the country’s strategic location, political stability, robust infrastructure, and dynamic workforce.

As Malaysia strides into the future, MIDA invites investors from around the globe to explore the diverse opportunities in the country that is not only strategically positioned but is also committed to fostering responsible and sustainable investments and building an inclusive economic landscape for the nation.

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About MIDA

MIDA is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

For media enquiries please contact:

Ms. Fatmah Ahmad
Director of Corporate Communications Division
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 2428