Asean has ideal qualities for investment, Zafrul tells WCEC participants

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia intends to strengthen regional centrality and neutrality so that more investments and trade will flow in, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said Malaysia will continue to emphasise Asean's peace, prosperity and security when it takes the grouping's chair next year.

In a special address at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) here on Tuesday (Sept 10), he noted the importance for investors to seek peace-loving partners, a quality of the region.

He said investors need "look no further than Malaysia", as it is a country that values peace and supports global trade.

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"Malaysia may be physically small in relation to other countries and some of our neighbours, but we have a big enough voice, and most importantly, we have principles when it comes to taking a stand," he added.

He highlighted the country's growing prestige as a leading economy in Asean and Asia, putting it in a good position to strengthen the region's position globally.

According to him, Asean is the world’s fifth largest economic bloc with a combined GDP of US$3.8 trillion (RM16.6 trillion) and a total population of 380 million.

Its rising middle class and young demographic makes it one of the most valuable markets by global standards, he added.

Some 4,000 local and overseas delegates are attending the three-day WCEC, which ends on Wednesday (Sept 11).