PETALING JAYA: Newly-appointed Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani's extensive experience will strengthen the national export agenda, says Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman said Johari's experiences, having held various roles and responsibilities, would provide strong support for export promotion initiatives and development programmes spearheaded by Matrade.
“Johari’s extensive experience, coupled with his strong professional background in finance, accounting, auditing and corporate affairs, represents a key asset in supporting the country’s economic development, particularly in formulating and implementing policies related to investment, trade and industry,” said Reezal Merican in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 17).
"In addition, his extensive experience as chairman and director of leading companies including those listed on the Bursa Malaysia across multiple sectors such as manufacturing, construction and services, demonstrates his ability to make strategic decisions and practical insights into global supply chains, international market challenges, and the need to enhance Malaysia’s export competitiveness," he added.
Johari succeeds Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz following the cabinet reshuffle announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday.
The Titiwangsa MP clocks in on Wednesday.
Reezal Merican said Johari has also previously held several significant Cabinet positions, including Deputy Finance Minister between 2015–2016, Finance Minister II (2016–2018) and Plantation and Commodities Minister since 2023.
"This experience is critical in shaping policies related to investment, trade and industry, closely aligned with fiscal policy, tax incentives and capital flows in the country.
"Matrade is confident that the momentum of achievements attained by the ministry under the leadership of Tengku Zafrul will continue to be driven forward under Johari," he said.
"This appointment is timely and well-suited to steer the ministry and its agencies towards positioning Malaysia as a dynamic regional hub for trade and industry," he added.
