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Prime Minister’s Welcome Note
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Dear Readers,
Malaysia—your home away from home.
Salam Sejahtera (greetings). I am delighted to welcome you to this exclusive issue of Focus International on Malaysia.
Today, Malaysia stands at the threshold of immense opportunities and epoch-making economic evolution.
Malaysia was once the world’s largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil. In the late 1970s, we aggressively moved towards industrialisation to ensure uniform prosperity
marked a structural shift from agriculture- to manufacturing-based economy.
Malaysia is one of the fastest growing ASEAN economies. Even as parts of the world continue to experience the reverberations of the recent financial crisis, the Malaysian economy expanded by 9.5% in the first half of 2010, and we expect to complete this year with a remarkable growth rate of about 7%. I am confident that we will be a developed nation by 2020, if we can achieve an annual average growth rate of 6%.
Under the leadership of our five former honourable prime ministers, Malaysia has seen remarkable modernisation and economic transformation in a short period of time. Malaysia is, perhaps, the most appropriate example of a place where the economic interests of varied racial groups have been pragmatically managed without compromising growth momentum. Even in transition, we have maintained peace and harmony and have ensured parity in growth for all. It is this core vision that has resulted in the economic stability of Malaysia and has attracted
investors and global brands to the country over the years.
Our government recognises growth that is complemented with successful transformation at every level of our market.
innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in a market that is poised for growth. Our policies have always been business-
our government has placed much emphasis on the development of green technology and sustainable use of renewable energy. We have introduced the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) to encourage business investment following our commitment at the recently held United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
Geographically, Malaysia lies close to the major world trade routes; this accounts for our early exposure to international trade and economies and has also opened up a world of opportunities. As one of the three countries that form the Straits of Malacca, international trade has always been emphasised in our economy. It is international trade that has shaped much of the culture and tradition that weaves the very element of our country. Today, Malaysia is home to people from across the world, which proves that the very fabric of our society is woven with the vitality of a multiplicity of race and creed.
Malaysia’s association with the Middle East dates as far back as the 10th century, as can be seen by the early influence of the Arab merchants. Today, we are proud to have major Middle Eastern investors in various sectors of the economy. Since assuming office, I’ve taken great efforts to reach out to our Middle Eastern investors with whom we have cherished long- standing partnerships and friendships.
Here is a place you can call a home away from home. Here is a place where you can prosper. With our customary Selamat Datang greetings, I am honoured to invite you to Malaysia.
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