US investment level in Malaysia may grow further
Ambassador says the companies make independent decisions
GEORGE TOWN: The level of US investments in Malaysia will be maintained or grow further, says US ambassador Kamala Shirin Lakhdir.
In an exclusive interview with StarBiz, Lakhdir said that US companies in Malaysia made independent decisions based on the business environment and needs of the supply chain.
“US companies here produced for the global market and therefore make decisions according to the commercial environment.
“They have been here for decades and are still around because the Malaysian government has been very supportive in facilitating their investments.
“This why companies such as First Solar is committed to expanding in Malaysia,” she said.
She said the feedback received from the US companies so far had been positive. “The US investments here will either be maintained or grow further,” she added.
Lakhdir was responding to a question on whether the US, under the presidency of Donald Trump, would prompt US investments to flow back home.
On whether the US is moving towards a protectionist economy, Lakhdir said the US has a global economy.
“The US economy is not just based on oil and gas. A huge amount of the US economy is driven by trade in Asia-Pacific. Let’s not change that. The new administration affirms and understands that,” she added.
Lakhdir said many of the US companies had large markets with customers worldwide.
“First Solar, Intel and the medical device companies over here are some examples. They have a global perspective and are fundamental to the US economy,” she said.
On the future of bilateral trade with Malaysia, Lakhdir said there was focus to deepen and expand the bilateral relationship to the benefit of both parties.
On Malaysia’s investments in the US, she said Top Glove and Some Darby were among the big investors in the US.