Dutch, Belgium investors show strong interests in Malaysian economy
Among others, both companies noted the high quality human capital available in Malaysia, especially in the areas of technology and mechanisation and the strong work culture among Malaysians.
KUALA LUMPUR: There are strong interests in the Malaysian economy within the Dutch and Belgium business communities and many are leveraging on the country’s strategic position as their gateway to Association of South-East Asian Nations, says the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
In a statement yesterday, Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad said two Dutch smalland medium- sized enterprises ( SMEs) – BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) and Enza Zaden – shared their overall positive experiences investing in Malaysia at a seminar held during his trade and investment missions to Amsterdam and Brussels on Oct 19to 20, 2017.
“Among others, both companies noted the high quality human capital available in Malaysia, especially in the areas of technology and mechanisation and the strong work culture among Malaysians.
“They were happy with the facilitation by Malaysian Investment Development Authority and other investment promotion agencies,” he said.
BESI, based in Shah Alam with 430 employees, is involved in the production of semiconductor-
Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad, Ministry of International Trade and Industry
related machinery and equipment and has continued making Malaysia as its regional base to serve the Asia-Pacific market.
Enza Zaden, on the converse, a Dutch SME producing agricultural seeds, has picked Perak for its research and development and highland breeding centre which has been accorded BioNexus status.
In Brussels , the mission continued with a roundtable meeting involving 10 leading Belgium forms to update both existing and new companies on the latest development and business opportunities available in Malaysia.
As at June 2017, implemented Belgian investments were worth RM743.6 million making Belgium as one of the significant investors from the EU.
“It is important for Malaysia to be strongly on the radar screen of European multinationals and SMEs, therefore we must enhance our visibility in the major trade and investment markets.
“For these major markets, we need to engage them at least once a year to update on our latest economic developments, business opportunities and attractiveness of Malaysia as a premier investment destination,” he said. — Bernama