Japanese Investors Showing Strong Interes In M'sia Amid Vast Opportunities Under AEC

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Japanese firms are showing strong interest to invest in Malaysia as they are seeking to tap the vast opportunities from the Asean Economic Community (AEC) which is slated for inception next year. Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) (Kuala Lumpur) managing director, Joji Ikeshita, said Japanese investors would benefit from the Asean regional economic integration. He said Japanese investors are shifting their interest from traditional manufacturing to new markets in tandem with demand, new trends and better lifestyle. "Enquiries from Japanese investors on opportunities in Malaysia are on the rise. Some of them are planning to shift operations from China and are seeking opportunities in Asean, especially with AEC in the offing," he told reporters after a seminar on product-related environmental regulations opened by the state environment committee chairman, Phee Boon Poh, here Thursday. Ikeshita said Japanese investors are making more enquiries on Malaysia's halal-related industry with regard to tourism, food and beverages, green and high technology and the service sectors. He said Japanese investors are more keen on environment-related industry like renewable energy and energy-saving technology owing to strong demand for green products amid rising electricity costs. "There are new trends for Japanese firms, especially small and medium enterprises' players to have collaborations with Malaysian companies to reduce energy waste and energy-saving," he said. Ikeshita said more joint ventures are likely between Malaysian and Japanese companies on green technology following several successful collaborations, namely Eco City in Melaka and Smart City in Iskandar Malaysia. -- BERNAMA