‘French firms impressed with Malaysia’s transparency effort’
KUALA LUMPUR: The established diplomatic and bilateral ties between France and Malaysia are poised to take on a positive and aggressive note in establishing potential areas of cooperation.
With Malaysia now seen as a potential role model in governance, French ambassador to Malaysia Frédéric Laplanche said the reformation (under the new Malaysian government) was expected to give impetus towards positive economic sentiments to foreign investors.
“The new government has a lot on its plate. What is being planned and contained in the reforms are very positive for the future of this country, including the perspective of Malaysia’s economic attraction,” he said recently in conjunction with France’s National Day celebration yesterday.
Therefore, Laplanche said France had big ambitions to push bilateral relations forward in various sectors.
Citing transparency, he said it was fundamental as more French companies aimed to make highimpact investments here.
“The dominant element is that we are expecting more transparency, better governance and fight against corruption, more freedom of expression as well as the freedom of the press. And only these three elements are essential to a good economic environment.
“French companies here expect Malaysia to become an even better place for business in the years to come, thanks to these new changes,” he said, noting the open tender approach to highimpact projects.
Malaysia and France will celebrate 61 years of diplomatic relations this year.