Lim (middle) presents a souvenir to Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso.
KUALA LUMPUR: International investors are confident in Malaysia’s economic potential as well as the government’s ability to drive the economy forward.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Malaysia remained an attractive investment destination with investors, especially with the government’s commitment to the competency, accountability and transparency principles under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership.
“Dr Mahathir is a well-known and much respected international statesman in Japan. They are confident their investments will be used to grow Malaysia’s economy to the fullest,” said Lim in a statement on his visit to Japan which ended yesterday.
The minister had led a delegation from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on a three-day roadshow from Feb 6-8 to meet with Japanese investors and senior government officials in conjunction with the upcoming issuance of the Samurai Bond.
The 20-member delegation included Treasury secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir, deputy secretary-general Datuk Siti Zauyah Md Desa and Bank Negara Malaysia assistant governor Marzunisham Omar.
The roadshow, aimed at promoting Malaysia as a stable and high potential investment destination, was organised by Daiwa Markets Ltd (in collaboration with Affin Hwang Investment Bhd), HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd and Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Bhd.
Lim also took the opportunity to meet with Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister / Finance Minister, Taro Aso and advisor to the Prime Minister and chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, Hiroto Izumi.
He conveyed the Malaysian government’s appreciation of the Japanese government’s willingness to guarantee the issuance of the 200 billion yen Malaysian Samurai Bond via the Japan Bank of International Cooperation to reduce interest for the loan.
During the meeting, they had also discussed the future of the relationship between Malaysia and Japan and opportunities to increase collaboration and investments in various strategic areas. — Bernama