Second Wave "Look East Policy" Will Woo More Investments From Japan, Says Mukhriz

From Massita Ahmad KYOTO, April 23 (Bernama) -- The second wave of the "Look East Policy" will see more attractions for Japanese investors to invest in Malaysia, says Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Mukhriz Dr Mahathir. "The second wave to us means a renewed level of activities to attract more investments from Japan," he told Bernama after addressing some 200 Japanese businessmen at the seminar entitled "Business Opportunities in Malaysia" here. Mukhriz said the Foreign Ministry would announce the policy details later this year. "Our ministry is very much involved mainly in trade and investment," said Mukhriz, who is leading a 28-member delegation for the trade and investment mission. The Deputy Minister however said the second wave of the policy would not shun investors from the other side of the world. "They (westerners) understand their economic situation now is not able to help cater to our needs. "It is also a reverse flow. Japan is looking at Asean to help them with this new development that they are looking for. Malaysia has a role to play," he said. Malaysia has marked the 30th anniversary of its "Look East Policy." The policy, introduced by Mukhriz's father, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in February 1982, is to emulate Japanese work culture, ethics, business skills and to acquire their technological know-how. Over the last 30 years, some 15,000 Malaysians have studied and undergone training at various Japanese universities, technical training institutions and companies. The seminar was held in conjunction with Mukhriz's two-day trade and investment mission to Kyoto and Nagoya beginning Monday. -- BERNAMA