TOKYO: A total of 25 Japanese companies have expressed interest in investing in Malaysia and participated in the Roundtable Meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, here, at the Japan-Asean Commemorative Summit.
Organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), the meeting seeks to encourage and facilitate potential and new investment from a number of Japan's biggest industry players.
Among them include big names in manufacturing, services and trade.
Anwar said that the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which aims to chronicle Malaysia's industrial development from 2023 to 2030, outlined the country's approach to investment partnerships.
"From our New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), it is very clear what we want to achieve, what the mission is. And then, our focus now is digital transformation. So industries involved in this deal should be encouraged to participate and cooperate with us (Malaysia).
"Why I am here is of course to listen to you… what needs to be done to facilitate or even accelerate the process of engagement and possible investments from your end," he said.
Anwar thanked the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (Jameca) for coordinating the meeting in Tokyo for Mida which comes under the purview of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.
"And I am of course very thankful to Jameca for coordinating this event and I am particularly impressed by the fact that so many captains of industries are present and have given their support. And on behalf of Malaysians, I want to thank you again."
Also present was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz who opened the meeting.
Zafrul acknowledged Japan as one of Malaysia's top three sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.
He said that the roundtable discussion would look at establishing partnerships in innovative and green technology, as well as energy transition, among others.
Zafrul also added that the one stop centre for investment related matters or Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) established by his ministry, would also be a big part in facilitating cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.
IMFC started operations on Dec 1. Located at Mida headquarters, it was set up to facilitate the affairs of the business community and investors in manufacturing and services at various levels of the Federal and state governments.