PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s economic sector is expected to receive a much needed boost with the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) becoming the main beneficiary.
This will be translated into more job opportunities for the Malaysian Family, many of whom are still reeling from the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With Malaysia’s transition into the endemic phase and reopening of its international borders since April 1, the prospect of a robust economic recovery is much more realistic.
Malaysia also hopes to overcome nagging problems pre-pandemic including persistent labour market challenges, lingering supply issues and rising inflationary pressure, among others.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who returned from a six-day trip to Japan recently, believed his maiden visit to the Land of the Rising Sun has paved the way for the creation of new opportunities in all sectors which would bring immense benefit to the country and its people.
Among the more significant achievements were the signing of three Memoranda of Cooperation (MoC) related to the aircraft industry, skilled workers and youth and sports.
The aircraft industry MoC was a collaboration between Malaysia and Japan to strengthen aerospace activities involving maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as well as aerospace downstream activities.
It will provide an opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be involved in the supply chain of the industry.
The MoC on skilled workers meanwhile, was related to sending Malaysian specified skilled workers to Japan.
Through the MoC, over 1,000 Malaysians will have the opportunity to gain work experience in Japan and if the programme proves to be effective, discussions will be held with the Japanese government to increase the number of Malaysian participants.
The programme provides the opportunity for Malaysians to gain experience and expertise in Japan and will be able to contribute to related industries in Malaysia on their return.
The MoC involving the Youth and Sports Ministry is related to youth exchange and development as well as sports.
Among the areas of cooperation being looked into include areas such as volunteer training for disasters such as floods, and also volunteerism in international sporting events, with Japan leading by example after hosting the Olympic Games in challenging conditions.
Japan was the host of the 2020 Olympic Games, but the prestigious sporting event had to be rescheduled to July last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister who held an engagement and friendly session with almost 30 leading Japanese company representatives, said some of them expressed their desire to explore trade opportunities while others planned to increase investment in Malaysia.
Among them Mistsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co Ltd, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsubishi Power and many others.
“I believe my official working visit has achieved the desired objective and relations between Malaysia and Japan continue to strengthen to the advantage of both countries.” the Prime Minister said.
> AZMI TARMIZI is the Prime Minister's Press Secretary 1
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