Malaysia is optimistic that its investment growth momentum will continue in 2024 despite external challenges, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Based on current trends, he anticipates the momentum to persist, supported by the double-digit increase in trade for May.

“So we are on the right track. We can see that our exports to Asean and the US rose by double digits in May. In terms of exports, 85% are from the manufacturing sector, especially the electronics and electrical sector,” he told reporters after the launch of the Centralised Sustainability Intelligence Solution at Bursa Malaysia here on Friday.

However, he said there are many challenging issues as well. “Issues such as ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical events, like the US-China trade war, pose challenges,” he added.

Malaysia recorded approved investments amounting to RM83.7 billion in the first three months of 2024, a 13% increase over the previous year’s corresponding period, creating 29,000 new jobs for Malaysians.

Tengku Zafrul said the main sectors contributing to the approved investments are: manufacturing sector 51.3% (RM43 billion), services sector 47% (RM39.3 billion) and the primary sector 1.7% (RM1.4 billion).

“In terms of breakdown, foreign investment is 56% and domestic investment is 44%,“ he added.

Austria topped the list of foreign investors by a very wide margin, with RM30.1 billion (64%) in approved investments, followed by Singapore (RM5.6 billion), the Netherlands (RM3.6 billion), China (RM3.4 billion) and the United States (RM632.8 million).

In terms of states, Kedah recorded the highest value of approved investments (RM31.3 billion), followed by Kuala Lumpur (RM21.5 billion), Selangor (RM12.4 billion), Sarawak (RM4.2 billion) and Johor (RM4.1 billion).

Target sectors stipulated by the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) contributed RM53.7 billion, accounting for 64.1% of the total approved investments across 252 projects, which are expected to create 17,056 new job opportunities.

The NIA is built on five robust pillars: enhancing economic complexity, creating high-value job opportunities, expanding domestic linkages, developing new and existing clusters, and promoting inclusivity.

Of the total approved investments, RM47.5 billion, or 56.8%, fall under the jurisdiction of Miti/Mida, covering 500 projects with 18,517 new job opportunities.

Source: The Sun

Malaysia expects Investment growth momentum to continue in 2024

Malaysia’s proactive measures and favourable investment policies have strategically positioned it well in the global foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape, according to the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2024.

The report, released on June 20, highlighted a slew of strategic initiatives mulled by Malaysia, ranging from assistance in obtaining specific permits to comprehensive support for foreign investors.

Among others, Malaysia adopted a dedicated visa facilitation service for strategic investors identified by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

The nation is also implementing fast-track “green” lanes and simplified processes to ease investment, it said.

According to UNCTAD, Asean member countries have also developed investment portals and digital platforms for e-payment and acceptance of electronic documents and certificates, further enhancing the investment landscape.

“The Asean region has long been proactive in adopting strategies and policy measures to support investment. These efforts have intensified in recent years, accelerating during the pandemic, with an increase from six new investment facilitation measures in 2019 to 28 in 2020.

“These included the introduction of online facilities, e-application systems and streamlined administrative processes, reflecting a strong regional commitment to digitalising and simplifying investment procedures,” it said.

The report also shows that Malaysia’s attractiveness is further bolstered by its steady expansion in sustainable development initiatives.

The World Investment Report 2024 said the rapid expansion in the sustainable finance market has brought about the parallel growth of national sustainable finance measures in the Group of 20 (G20) and the largest developing economies, including Malaysia.

In 2023, these economies introduced a total of 94 sustainable finance policies and regulations. 

The report said that in total, FDI inflows to Southeast Asia remained stable, with an increase in merger and acquisition sales.

The number of greenfield announcements surged by 42%, adding US$62 billion more in value.

However, it said this gain was countered by a US$64 billion fall in the value of international project finance deals.

More broadly, while foreign investment flows to developing Asia receded in 2023, they remained high at US$621 billion.

The continent, led by East and Southeast Asia, continued to be the world’s largest recipient of FDI, accounting for nearly half of global inflows, UNCTAD said.

In Malaysia, notable projects included a US$10 billion expansion of Malaysian automaker Proton Holdings Bhd (KL:PROTON), which partly owned Geely.

In 2023, global FDI decreased by 2% to US$1.3 trillion.

Mida reported that in the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia attracted RM83.7 billion of approved investments, comprising RM43 billion (or 51.3%) in manufacturing, RM39.3 billion (47%) in services and RM1.4 billion (1.7%) in the primary sector.

This marked a 13% jump in overall approved investments from the same period last year.

Source: Bernama

Malaysia’s proactive measures enhance its position in global FDI landscape — UN report

Malaysia’s potential entry into BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) will not affect the country’s electrical and electronics (E&E) sector amid the United States (US)-China tensions.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said that research and development in the field, particularly involving semiconductors, will benefit from the multilateral cooperation.

He said that should Malaysia become a BRICS member, it would still maintain neutrality between the US and China.

“BRICS encompasses nine countries, representing roughly 45 per cent of the world’s population. This is a very large market, and we hope to gain access to this market.

“Not only Malaysia, but more and more countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, are looking at joining BRICS. So, saying we are shifting from neutrality by joining BRICS is not true.

“So, I don’t see joining BRICS as shifting from neutrality. We are still neutral but we aim to join BRICS for economic benefits,” he told reporters after attending the pre-launch of the Industry Technology Innovation Centre (ITIC) and the opening of the Semiconductor Research Consortium and MIMOS Academy at Kulim Hi-tech Park here today.

He said that research and development in the field would benefit not only from BRICS but also from other multilateral international alliances.

“There are other multilateral platforms we are part of, BRICS is just one of these platforms. We are also part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and others,” he added.

In an X post on April 22, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Malaysia’s geopolitical neutrality and strategic positioning are key selling points to multinational semiconductor companies looking for investment destinations.

Zafrul said that as the rivalry between the U.S. and China intensifies, many global companies are restructuring their supply chains to reduce geopolitical risks.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia will soon begin the process of joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS.

Anwar said that the matter has been brought to the Foreign Affairs Ministry for further study and, in principle, Malaysia has agreed to join BRICS.

Meanwhile, Chang expressed confidence that the establishment of ITIC, the Semiconductor Research Consortium, and MIMOS Academy are strategic and transformative steps for long-term industrial and talent development.

“This reflects the ministry’s commitment to creating a semiconductor technology ecosystem to enhance Malaysia’s position in the global E&E sector,” he added.

Source: NST

Joining BRICS will not affect research and development for E&E sector says Chang

Kuala Lumpur’s diverse, multilingual talent pool, robust regulatory frameworks, business-friendly environment, and strong commitment to sustainability are making it increasingly prominent as a highly appealing and accessible hub in Asia, according to InvestKL chief executive officer Datuk Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli.

He said that the city is gaining recognition as a prime location for global service centers that empower multinational corporations (MNCs) to efficiently serve their customers across Asia in areas such as digital innovation and technology.

“We are already witnessing successes in this space. As these MNCs establish their presence in Greater Kuala Lumpur (KL), they bring not only significant investment but also invaluable expertise and cutting-edge technology, catalysing a positive ripple effect across the Malaysian economy,” he said.

Last year alone, InvestKL secured a record-breaking RM8.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), resulting in the creation of 8,329 high-skilled jobs. 

This marks a significant increase from RM2.79 billion in FDI and 2,805 associated jobs created in 2022.

“But far from resting on our laurels, our team is striving to surpass these achievements by strategically targeting MNCs seeking to establish a robust foothold in Asia,” Azmi said.

He added that InvestKL’s efforts to attract leading global companies and foster a collaborative environment have solidified the Greater KL position as a thriving global services hub. 

He said this success translates to far-reaching economic benefits for Malaysia, including direct investment, high-value job creation, and the development of a highly skilled workforce. 

Furthermore, Azmi said the dynamic collaborations forged between foreign and local companies, supported by strong public and private sector partnerships, have created a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. 

He noted that the positive spillover effects from MNCs, such as technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and increased productivity, are key to driving Malaysia’s overall economic growth and development.

“We remain committed to nurturing these collaborative relationships, ensuring Greater KL thrives as a premier destination for global services, and contributing to Malaysia’s economic prosperity,” he said.

Malaysia continues to attract investments from world-renowned companies, drawn by its robust infrastructure, strategic location in Southeast Asia, competitive business environment, and skilled workforce. This is also underpinned by the government’s initiatives and policies aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation.

InvestKL’s success in attracting global giants such as Zimmer Biomet, a world leader in medical technology, and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) exemplifies Greater KL’s growing reputation as a world-class business hub.

Azmi noted that LSEG’s flagship office in Greater KL also underscores its confidence in the region’s financial sector and commitment to nurturing local expertise. 

Beyond Zimmer Biomet and LSEG, other prominent MNCs with global service hubs in the Greater KL have actively partnered with local universities to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. 

“These initiatives, facilitated by the InvestKL Talent Programme (ITP), are not just about aligning local talent with the needs of global companies but also about empowering the next generation of Malaysian professionals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a globally competitive landscape,” Azmi said.

He said that the ESG & Sustainability ConneXion Centre (ESGS CXC), established by InvestKL in Greater Kuala Lumpur, is making significant strides in promoting sustainable business practices and encouraging the adoption of environment, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

The ESGS CXC serves as a hub for facilitating policy advocacy, capability building, and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders across the business ecosystem.

Azmi highlighted that the Greater KL Live Lab (GKL LL) continues to connect foreign MNCs with local SMEs, educational institutions, and research organisations to drive ESG and sustainability initiatives. 

“We have seen international companies such as DHL using Greater KL as a testbed for maritime deliveries using drones and Japan-based digital healthcare service provider Allm Inc. collaborating with local hospitals to conduct clinical trials. 

“Other companies proudly participating in the Greater KL Live Lab program include Behn Meyer AgriCare, uPledge, Quantum, and Malaysia’s own Carsome, to name a few,” he noted.

Source: NST

Greater KL gaining prominence as Asia hub, says InvestKL CEO

Japanese investors have been invited to explore potential stakes in Sabah’s renewable energy sector and semiconductor industry.

State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said Sabah could offer them a conducive environment.

“We have been working closely with the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko, and Japanese trade associations, including Jactim and Jetro,” he said at the Sabah-Japan environmental, social and governance (ESG) forum here on Friday (June 21).

“Sabah’s proximity to Japan positions it as a pivotal player in the journey towards sustainable energy solutions development in the region,” he added.

He said Japan has been a crucial trading partner for the region, and its economic partnership with Malaysia had flourished since the 1980s under the Look East Policy.

“Japan also stands as Sabah’s fourth-largest trade partner, accounting for 7.9% of Sabah’s total trade,” he said, adding that the state’s exports to Japan amounted to RM2.936bil, representing 9.4% of its total exports.

These figures underscore the robust and vital economic relationship between Sabah and Japan, which continues to grow stronger, Phoong added.

He noted that the partnership and investments from Japan are critical as the global supply chain transitions towards energy sustainability and a low-carbon economy.

“Collaboration between Sabah and Japan will be key in leveraging Japanese expertise and technologies to drive innovation and sustainability in various sectors,” he said.

Source: The Star

Sabah has lots to offer Japanese investors in green energy and chipmaking, says minister

In December 2022, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz was appointed as the minister of international trade and industry under the administration of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the third prime minister to name him in the cabinet line-up after Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. (The ministry has since been renamed the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, or Miti.)

Zafrul replaced Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who served as senior minister of the economic cluster and as minister of international trade and industry from 2020 to 2022, before he was defeated in the 15th general election.

The former banker embarked on his ministerial journey on March 9, 2020, when he was appointed as finance minister in Muhyiddin’s cabinet, and was reappointed to the same post on Aug 27, 2021, under Ismail Sabri’s administration.

Prior to his government appointment, Zafrul was the group CEO and executive director of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.

The following is an excerpt from The Edge’s exclusive interview with him.

The Edge: It’s been a year and a half since you became Miti minister. While Malaysia’s efforts to bring in foreign investors appear to be paying off, going by the slew of investment announcements involving big names and significant sums since the beginning of 2023, how difficult has it been for you to attract FDI (foreign direct investment)?

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz: It’s not easy. But in a way, I must say it’s easier than before, thanks to [the] supply chain realignment. The Russia-Ukraine war has increased the cost of doing business in Europe, US companies and European firms are looking at de-risking as they adopt the China-plus-one strategy. Even Taiwan companies are doing so due to geopolitical tension and natural disasters. So, geopolitics has really helped Asean. I can’t claim all the credit.

Most people whom we spoke to say the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) is a spot-on road map that provides a clear direction. How will Miti ensure that the NSS isn’t just another “feel-good” road map, but one that leads to tangible results and meaningful progress?

We have to build one step at a time and phase by phase. Advanced packaging is already quite complex. But we have the edge already because our outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) sector is quite strong. So, our next step should be modernising OSAT and going into advanced packaging, which is a high-value activity.

The NSS highlights advanced packaging and integrated circuit (IC) design. Do we want to attract wafer fab investments?

We want; of course, we want. But we cannot afford it right now. I am aware that financially, we are not ready. But I think we shouldn’t give up. First, we need to show the spillover effect of building wafer fabs. Right now, we feel that we should move step by step, and we should prioritise IC design and advanced packaging.

Given that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has been perceived as too hard or too boring, while there is a common misperception that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is “second class” and does not promise a good future, how do you think Malaysia can nurture 60,000 high-skilled local engineers under the NSS?

We have to be aspirational. We have to challenge them (other ministries), but at the same time, we have to give them strength. Yes, 60,000 is a stretch. It is a stretch. But now that I put out the numbers, suddenly they all come up with all sorts of ideas to achieve it. Now, the Ministry of Education has committed to 30,000. They said they can do it.

Beyond the semiconductor space, Malaysia has been attracting multinational corporations (MNCs) such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google and Microsoft to set up data centres and cloud infrastructure here. However, sceptics say this would consume a lot of energy and may not bring positive economic impact to our country. What’s your view on that?

Data centre, on its own, is like a highway. Yes, its direct employment is low, but there are some spillover effects of having data centres. So, we need to look at it as an enabler for FDI. Without data centres, many MNCs may not come here.

Apart from data centres, which other areas of infrastructure should we improve on?

If you look at Malaysia, about 80% of our exports is manufacturing. And 40%, which is half of that 80%, is electrical and electronics (E&E). The problem with us is that we export through Singapore a lot. That’s why the Penang International Airport (PIA) is so important, and we need to expand it. Actually, to be objective, we need a Kulim cargo airport. I am not talking about passenger airports. When FedEx was here, they complained to us that our PIA cannot accommodate their cargo planes, which are mostly Boeing 777 aircraft. All their clients in Penang and Kulim need the Triple Seven. Otherwise, they would be wasting their time going down to Singapore.

Do you see Malaysia as still pretty neutral in terms of our stance on geopolitics?

Business-wise, we have taken a very neutral stance. I mean, South China Sea, we have taken a firm stance — not open for negotiation, right? And then with the US, we have taken a strong stance that we remain neutral.

But business and politics are closely linked. Will Malaysia’s stance on supporting Gaza and Palestine affect our relationship with the US?

If that’s true, then why are Microsoft, Google and AWS coming here? So, it’s not true.

Certain quarters question the economic benefits of getting investments from China, as the Chinese firms seem to be exporting everything, including people, building materials, machinery and equipment, to Malaysia.

Yes, that was the problem. I think they have stopped the people’s part. In the East Coast Rail Link, they even brought their own chefs. If you look at all the American companies here, their CEOs are mostly Malaysian. Do you notice that? Whereas the Chinese and Japanese, perhaps it’s because of Asian culture, they still want their own people. The Western side is more open to local leadership.

So, what kind of Chinese investments do we get now?

Chemical and petrochemical. They’re working mostly with Petronas. And then the electrical appliances companies, they are building some of their parts here.

What is the status of the Automotive High-Technology Valley project in Tanjung Malim, Perak?

Last year, it was announced that Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd would invest US$10 billion. They’ve started already and they’ve spent about a billion plus. They are waiting for land purchases to be completed. They’re negotiating with the state. It’s moving and it’s on track.

How do you balance out between giving MNCs incentives and not affecting Malaysia’s economic value?

That’s why we have to be firm. Sometimes, it’s painful, and we have to call their bluff. Sometimes we have to think, where would they go if they don’t come to Malaysia?

But are you not afraid that by doing this, it is actually reducing our competitiveness?

That’s why we have to choose the right sectors. Certain sectors need our help more. The biggest noises might come from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Our SMEs are the most inefficient and the least productive in the region. Even Vietnam and Thailand have overtaken us in terms of productivity because of our lack of investment in automation and our easy access to cheap foreign labour.

But not anymore, right?

It’s still three million (of foreign labour). They need to toughen up.

What about SMEs’ access to capital?

Yes, it is an issue for them. That’s why in the end they borrow money from the banks. They mortgage their buildings and shophouses. Of course, the banks are also at fault. Sometimes, they want to lend on the back of assets, not on future cash flow. So, that also has to change.

The government is working on a scheme to give guarantees for banks to lend to SMEs. We are still finalising the amount. It could be 10% or 20%. So, let’s say it’s 20%. The first 20% of loss, the government would share with the bank.

The banks would still take 80% so that they would assess the risks. But if the government could absorb that 20%, we feel that at least there is an alignment and the banks’ risk appetite will be higher, knowing that for every RM1 they were to lose, 20 sen will be shared by the government.

For a long time, Malaysia has been striving to catch up. As the Miti minister, do you feel somehow unusual now that many Asian countries are envying Malaysia for attracting significant FDI from around the world?

The problem with capitalism is that the impact of FDI and economic growth does not filter down to the people. They just cannot see the benefits. The filtering is only to a certain group, so that gap is getting bigger. Therefore, the government has to intervene by policy to bring this growth to be more equitable, to be more inclusive. But everybody must also understand that when we talk about the higher cost of living, it is a global problem. How do you explain that? It’s very difficult.

Salaries do not go up, and our ringgit is weak.

In absolute terms, the weak currency benefits the country right now. Because we export more than we import. But the exporters represent only a minority of the population. Our palm oil producers are happy. Their cost is in ringgit, but they export in dollars. Semiconductors are the same. Our oil and gas industry is making record profit. But again, how many per cent of the economy do they represent? We, as a government, have to somehow distribute that back through subsidies and intervention. 

Source: The Edge Malaysia

Tengku Zafrul on raising the bar for Malaysian industries

The benefits of major foreign investments into the country should be reflected in programmes and initiatives implemented for the people, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the influx of investments also proves that Malaysia has a stable investment environment and is an attractive destination for foreign investors.

He said this also requires the participation of the people so that they benefit from initiatives introduced as a result of foreign investments, such as the MCMC-Microsoft AI Tech: Skills For AI-Enabled Economy programme.

“If we only talk about the large investment values (into the country) without reflecting on the benefits and advantages of this investment for the people, then the story (of the investment) is incomplete.

“With programmes like this (MCMC-Microsoft AI Tech), we can translate major announcements and (foreign) investment figures into tangible benefits for the people,“ he said in his speech at the launch of the MCMC-Microsoft AI Tech: Skills For AI-Enabled Economy programme here today.

MCMC-Microsoft AI TEACH is a capacity-building programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) resulting from a collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Microsoft Malaysia.

On May 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Microsoft intends to invest US$2.2 billion (RM10.5 billion) over the next four years in Malaysia.

Anwar said the investment will greatly support the government’s focus on developing AI capacity in the country.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that as a start, the MCMC-Microsoft AI TEACH programme will provide AI skills training and certification to 1,600 participants from communities near the National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), especially vulnerable groups.

He said the programme could also help increase the employability of participants through the MyFutureJobs job matching initiative under the Social Security Organisation.

“After this, participation will be expanded in all areas with NADI as the location for them to join the provided classes and modules … we want rural and suburban communities to also benefit,“ he said.

Besides providing good internet facilities, Fahmi said, the government also wants the public to utilise and apply AI technology ethically and not use it for criminal purposes such as image manipulation or deep fakes.

“For me, it’s important that people understand how to use AI ethically. We don’t want people to, for example, plagiarise, especially in their homework or coursework, but at the same time not to be fooled by the misuse of AI to generate, for example, deep fake content,” he said.

At the event, Fahmi also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MCMC and Microsoft Malaysia aimed at exploring the socio-economic benefits of AI, including efforts to prepare the future workforce with AI knowledge and digital skills as well as the adoption of Microsoft software.

Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.

Source: Bernama

Benefits of foreign investments should be reflected through initiatives for people – Fahmi

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has facilitated the exchange of 11 memorandums of understanding (MOU) between Malaysian and Chinese entities with a total potential investment of RM13.2 billion.

Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the ministry is pleased to see the government-to-government collaborative spirit “cascading” to the private sector of both countries through the MOUs for numerous high value sectors. “MITI looks forward to seeing these collaborations enhance our economy, including by increasing supply chain resilience, expanding trade in the services sector, and attracting high-quality investments, while also deepening human capital development and people-to-people ties,” he said in a statement today.

The MOU exchange took place in conjunction with the first official visit to Malaysia by China Premier Li Qiang.

The ministry said the MOUs “reflect the continued confidence of the Chinese business community in the strength and sustainability of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China while reaffirming Malaysia’s position as one of China’s key investment and trade partners in the Southeast Asian region.”

“The key MOUs involved several agencies under MITI, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia),” it added.

The MOU between MIDA and China International Capital Corporation Ltd (CICC) aims to strengthen economic and industrial collaboration, focusing on enhancing investment opportunities in high-value sectors and exploring supply chain integration within key industries in Malaysia and China.

MATRADE entered into an MOU with Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd to strengthen its alliances with international financial institutions as it looks to enhance market access as well as financing options for Malaysian exporters.

EXIM Bank Malaysia’s MoU with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd (ICBC Malaysia) aims to foster and enhance bilateral financial relations.

Other MOUs were between Malaysian and Chinese companies, for collaborations in high-value-added sectors, such as oil and gas, energy, education as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), agriculture, automotive and utility services.

Earlier today, after the China and Malaysia Business Community luncheon, Tengku Zafrul said MITI will collaborate closely with its Chinese counterparts to explore and identify potential new areas for industrial park development under the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” framework.

The Two Countries, Twin Parks is a flagship project of national-level investment collaboration and a key project that is part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in Guangxi opened in 2012 and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park opened a year later in Malaysia.

“Both countries have agreed that Malaysia and China should not just look at the two countries and twin parks but two countries with multiple parks,” the minister told reporters.

Source: Bernama

MITI facilitates RM13.2 bln in potential investments from China Premier’s visit

Malaysia is confident of securing RM13 billion in potential investments and exports at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He noted that Malaysia plans to leverage the sizeable audience of an expected 28.2 million visitors.

In 2021, Malaysia achieved RM8.3 billion in trade and investment at the Dubai Expo, attracting 5,000 business leaders to its pavilion, which featured 400 Malaysian companies, he said.

“Miti is proud and privileged to spearhead Malaysia’s participation at the expo.

“This provides a unique opportunity for Malaysia to showcase our unwavering commitment to sustainable development, industrial reforms, and inclusive economic growth while fostering a prosperous society for all,“ “ he said during the launch of Malaysia’s participation in the expo, here today.

Malaysia has chosen the theme “Weaving a Future in Harmony” to reflect the nation’s commitment to collaboration, unity in diversity and community interconnectedness, Tengku Zafrul said.

He added that Malaysia’s pavilion will highlight advancements in sustainable agriculture, energy transition, smart living, advanced manufacturing, environmental management, and green tourism.

“We want to show how Malaysia addresses global challenges innovatively to contribute to the planet’s well-being and promote a sustainable, harmonious and equitable future for all,“ he said.

During the expo from April 13 to Oct 13, 2025, a series of on-site themed weeks, exhibitions and dialogues will be organised at the Malaysian pavilion to serve as catalysts for positive change.

“We seek to forge partnerships towards a more sustainable and equitable world, supported by key policies like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National ESG Industry Framework,“ he added.

A total of 161 countries and nine international organisations have confirmed their participation to date. 

Source: Bernama

Malaysia eyes RM13b potential investments, exports at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Three Malaysia-China economic collaborations will bolster supply chain resilience, boost trade expansion in the services sector, and attract high-quality investments, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the agreements will also mainstream digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation while deepening human capital development and interpersonal ties.

The collaborations are the Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation, and two memoranda of understanding — Strengthening Investment Cooperation in Digital Economy, and Green Development.

“Malaysia is dedicated to solidifying our robust economic ties with China.

“These agreements pave the way for a new chapter of economic collaboration, fostering more shared prosperity for both nations,” the minister said in his welcome remark at a luncheon with the Chinese and Malaysian business community today.

Tengku Zafrul shared that Malaysia and China are deliberating an exciting new cooperation under the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” framework.

He said both countries are building on successful collaborations in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles, which will unlock new opportunities.

“I look forward to jointly announcing the conclusion of discussions on these new cooperation arrangements in the near future,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul noted that the Malaysia-China relationship, with economic cooperation at its core, has left an indelible mark over the past half-century.

“We have forged links in numerous areas, notably, in railway infrastructure and technology, automotive sector, manufacturing, fintech and trading, among others,” he said.

Source: Bernama

Malaysia-China partnership to bolster supply chains, services trade — Tengku Zafrul

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) today said it recently engaged with potential investors from China’s automotive industry at a three-day business trip in Pahang.

In a statement, ECERDC said it led a delegation of potential investors from the Dynaso, Chongqing Administrative Bureau and Taicang Roundtable Members from June 11-13, 2024 to visit its industrial parks and investee companies.

They  visited Elektrisola’s factory, Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Camel Power (M) Sdn Bhd, Kuantan Port, Pahang Automotive Park (PAP) and Pahang Technology Park (PTP).

The group also toured DRB-Hicom University and Gambang Halal Park.

Source: NST

ECERDC says potential investors from China’s auto industry visited industrial parks in Pahang