Kazakhstan Emulating Malaysia's Growth Path, Says Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- Kazakhstan has always held Malaysia in high regard for its dynamic development, industrial growth and innovative economy. On this score, the Central Asian country chose to emulate Malaysia's growth path since acquiring independence more than 20 years ago, Kazakhstan's Industry and New Technologies Minister Asset Issekeshev said. "Today, a large-scale government programme of innovative industrial development is in progress in Kazakhstan, which in addition, includes the best Malaysian experience in developing non-oil and high-tech industries. "One of the key priorities of this programme is having concrete steps towards improving the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan's economy," he said in the Kazakhstan-Malaysia Business Exhibition souvenir book. Issekeshev said Kazakhstan was economically and politically stable with supportive legislation to attract more investments. The investment opportunities in Kazakhstan were further encouraged by factors such as the availability of abundant natural and mineral resources as well as favourable geopolitical position. "We warmly welcome Malaysian investors to Kazakhstan for establishment of joint ventures and enterprises to strengthen further the partnership between both countries," he said. The one-day Kazakhstan-Malaysia Business Exhibition was held in conjunction with the two-day state visit by President Nursultan Nazarbayev who graced event that among others showcased products and services of leading Malaysian companies as well as facilitate business matchings between various companies from both countries. -- BERNAMA