MIDA-KEI Tie-Up Drives Quality Investments From Kyushu : Malaysian Minister Mustapa

From Christine Lim TOKYO, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The recently-forged partnership between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Japan's Kyushu Economy International (KEI) could effectively promote quality investments from Kyushu province, said Mustapa Mohamed. The Minister of International Trade and Industry said the signing of a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Nov 25 between MIDA and KEI on bilateral co-operation would benefit the business communities of both Malaysia and Japan. “With a strong commitment from both governments and business communities, I am confident that this collaboration will further reinforce the strong bilateral relationship of our countries and drive quality investments in the years to come,” he said in his keynote address at the MoU signing in Osaka. KEI, an organisation representing Japanese government bodies as well as trade and business organisations, aims to promote industry, tourism and exchanges between Kyushu province and foreign parties. Mustapa emphasised that the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan has flourished on various fronts over the past 50 years, not only between both governments but also between the private sectors. “Japanese companies have played an important role in Malaysia’s business community, with many companies setting up manufacturing facilities and regional headquarters in our country,” he said. To further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred regional investment destination, Mustapa said Malaysia has continued to emphasise a strong and effective partnership between the public and private sectors. “It is this partnership that has made Malaysia cost-competitive and contributed to our ability to continue to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). "This in turn would enable us to better facilitate businesses and ensure that our procedures and regulations promote a business-friendly environment,” he said. MIDA, he said, has also been working together since 1995 with another Japanese organisation, Kyukeiren, and has organised three trade and investment missions and seminars in Fukuoka province. Kyukeiren is a regional, integrated economic organisation with a membership of about 970 companies. -- BERNAMA