Resounding Endorsement From Japan Over Malaysia's Investment Climate

From Mikhail Raj Abdullah

TOKYO, May 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will meet his Japanese counterpart, Yasuo Fukuda here Friday to discuss ways to deepen the scope of cooperation between both countries as well as regional and global issues.

Abdullah is also set to acknowledge Japans resounding and continued endorsement of Malaysia as an attractive investment destination during their meeting at Sori Kantei, the Japanese Primes Ministers official residence.

Malaysian Ambassor to Japan, Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, briefing the media on Abdullahs three-day visit to Japan beginning Thursday, said Japans trade and investment in Malaysia recorded significant gains over the last two years.

Abdullah, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, arrives here later Thursday night.

Mohd Radzi said Japan ploughed far greater Investments amounting to RM6.5 billion last year from RM4.4 billion a year earlier while trade rose to RM120.7 billion from RM115.7 billion, a clear testimony of its confidence in Malaysia.

The endorsement, coming from the worlds second largest economy, was significant especially at a time of difficult external economic challenges such as skyrocketing oil prices.

"Japan is encouraged by Malaysia's continued political stability and clear economic policies sustained over the long-term," he said at the Malaysian embassy.

Abdullah would again deliver the keynote address at the renowned 14th Nikkei International Conference on the "Future of Asia" with the theme being "Asias Role: In Pursuit of Global Existence."

The Prime Minister is likely to stress on the responsibility of East Asian economies in their continued efforts to sustain regional peace and prosperity in his speech.

He would also meet senior Japanese parliamentarians members to discuss issues of common interest at a separate function.

On Saturday, the renowned Soka Womens College would confer its highest award on the Prime Ministers wife at the university.

Abdullah ends his visit on Saturday.

-- BERNAMA

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