Malaysia will become major beneficiary of AEC, says Wahid Omar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will become a major beneficiary of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) when it takes over the chairmanship of Asean next year, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar.
He said Malaysia would take the chairmanship of Asean at a critical time when AEC comes into force.
“We may not be able to achieve full economic integration at once, but we are collectively solid and Malaysia will become a major beneficiary of the AEC,” he was quoted as saying in a report titled “Malaysia-The Gateway to Asean” published by London-based PMC Ltd.
It also quoted Malaysia Investment Development Authority Chairman Amirsham A. Aziz as saying that Malaysia aimed to build on its location as the centre of Southeast Asia, robust economy and its pro- business environment to further enhance its role as an investment gateway to Asean countries.
“But we are not promoting Malaysia as a better investment place because labour is cheap, we are promoting the country as a location where you can drive your business through technology,” Amirsham said.
Meanwhile, Inland Revenue Board chief executive officer and
We may not be able to achieve full economic integration at once, but we are collectively solid and Malaysia will become a major beneficiary of the AEC. Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukor Mahfar said, regional economic integration would create a new basis for growth in the region and new investment opportunities for Malaysia.
“Malaysia offers a competitive tax rate for international companies, in particular five-year tax exemptions in specifically promoted sectors or geographical areas.
“We also offer simplified procedures and red tape and a strong, reliable institutional system,” he was quoted as saying in the report. — Bernama