Malaysia second most attractive market for infrastructure

0

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been ranked second among 41 countries as the most attractive market for investment in infrastructure, according to the Arcadis Global Infrastructure Investment Index.

Arcadis head of Infrastructure, Asia, Richard Warburton said infrastructure is the backbone of a country and a catalyst for its long-term economic development.

“With Malaysia’s annual average population growth rate of 1.4 per cent, investment in new infrastructure will be imperative.

“Combined with its goal of achieving high-income nation status by 2020, plans are already underway for specific cities and urban clusters under Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley to be developed into vibrant, productive and livable cities that are comparable to other major cities in the world,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, Arcadis said Malaysia was the only Asian country after Singapore to clinch a top 10 spot in the global ranking, with Malaysia ranked seventh, ahead of the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom.

“A key differential that we have seen in Asian markets like Malaysia and Singapore is that they have clear integrated strategies that tie the infrastructure development plans to business and economic objectives,” he said.

The 10th Malaysia Plan sets the stage for a major structural transformation that a high-income economy requires which gives long-term clarity to investors, Warburton added. — Bernama