Investors pledge to continue investing in M’sia in the longer run

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Najib is seen during the luncheon comprising 55 foreign companies and 39 corporate captains from Malaysia on the sidelines of the 45th World Economic Forum here on Thursday. — Bernama photo

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: The business luncheon hosted by Malaysia on the sidelines of the 45th World Economic Forum here on Thursday garnered overwhelming response with several foreign companies pledging their commitment upfront to continue investing in Malaysia in the longer run.

Government proactiveness, as well as, a conducive business environment were among the key factors that were keeping the investors ‘happy’ in Malaysia.

Royal Vopak Board executive chairman and chief executive officer Eelco Hoekstra said the group had always taken a long-term view of their investments.

Malaysia, for example has a lot of attributes that sync with their strategy for investment.

“We take a long-term view of our investments in Malaysia and they are based on good governance in Malaysia, as well as, good partners,” he told Malaysian journalists at the luncheon jointly hosted by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Malaysian Investment Development Authority and InvestKL.

The Dutch investor is currently in joint venture with Petronas and Dialog Group to develop an industrial terminal in Pengerang, Johor, which in turn is an integral section of the Petronas Pengerang Integrated Complex.

They are also involved in the RM5 billion Pengerang Deepwater Petroleum Terminal.

Meanwhile, Lafarge chairman and chief executive officer Bruno Lafont said the company also viewed its commitment in Malaysia as long-term investments.

“We are in more than 60 countries and Malaysia is one of the largest and has a promising position in the company,” he added.

A world leader in building materials, Lafarge employs 64,000 people in 62 countries.

More than 100 high-level decision making corporates leaders attended the luncheon comprising 55 foreign companies and 39 corporate captains from Malaysia.

Among the renowned companies which were present at the business luncheon included General Electric, Barclays, Bata, Huawei, Lippo Group, Hyatt Hotel and Ernst & Young.

The event, which was also graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, was part of the government’s programme at the WEF to raise Malaysia’s profile as a preferred investment destination in Asean. — Bernama