Japanese SMEs Eye Malaysia For Expansion Plans, Says JETRO

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), June 1 (Bernama) -- There is increasing interest from Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their markets in Malaysia because of the available facilities, said Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). Managing Director Joji Ikeshita said the Japanese companies that have penetrated the local market currently stood at 1,400 and the number is still increasing. "Before, the Japanese companies that showed interest to come here are from the manufacturing sector, but now we are seeing more coming from the education, retail and services sectors," he told reporters after the launch of Hiroshima Fair here Friday. Also present were the Vice-Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture Yoshiaki Nakashita and AEON Co (M) Bhd Managing Director Qamarina Chew. In her speech, Chew said the fair would feature 28 exhibitors with over 140 Japanese products which include food items, travel and tours as well as animated films set in Hiroshima. The Hiroshima Fair will be held from Friday until June 14, at AEON Bandar Utama and AEON Mid Valley, she said. -- BERNAMA