‘ROADSHOW BOOSTS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE’

They are drawn to Malaysia’s commitment to competency, accountability and transparency, says Lim

INTERNATIONAL investors are confident about Malaysia’s economic potential as well as the government’s ability to drive the nation’s economy forward.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is heading a working visit to Japan, said the investors were confident that their investments would be used to grow Malaysia’s economy to the fullest.

“Malaysia continues to be regarded as an attractive investment destination by investors, even more with the government’s commitment to Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) in its governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, an international statesman who is well-known and much respected in Japan,” he said in a statement.

The Finance Ministry said the three-day “jerayawara” or roadshow, which started on Feb 6, would end today.

The ministry said the visit would also give confidence to the international investment community to take part in the 200 billion yen or RM7.4 billion Samurai bond, offered by the Japanese government via the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.

It was reported previously that the Japanese government had offered to guarantee 200 billion yen or RM7.4 billion of Samurai bond issuance with a 10-year tenure, which is expected to be issued before March this year.

The “jerayawara” was organised for the purpose of the bond issuance by Daiwa Markets Ltd with the cooperation of Affin Hwang Investment Bhd, HSBC Bank Malaysia and Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Bhd as lead organisers appointed by the Finance Ministry.

It involved 20 participants from the ministry namely Treasury secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir, Treasury deputy secretary-general Datuk Siti Zauyah Md Desa and Bank Negara Malaysia assistant governor Marzunisham Omar.

Lim also took the opportunity to meet Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Taro Aso and adviser to the prime minister and chairman of the National Public Safety Commission Shinya Izumi, the statement read.

The ministry said that Lim conveyed the Malaysian government’s appreciation for the Japanese government’s willingness to guarantee the Malaysian Samurai Bond to reduce the interest cost of the loan.

The ministry also said the longheld close relationship and cooperation between the two governments is expected to develop further through this trip and have a positive impact on foreign investments from Japan to Malaysia.