Look East Policy- Malaysia Japan 40 Years On: Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia (Exclusive)

Japan is the fourth largest trading partner and holds the third largest FDI (foreign direct investment) with Malaysia. And, this relationship is to grow further.

In an exclusive interview with Business Today, Japanese Ambassador H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko speaks on the relationship between both nations.

Katsuhiko said: “Japan will continue to establish a thriving social and trade relationship with Malaysia,” adding, currently, there are approximately 1,600 Japanese manufacturing plants in Malaysia creating 340,000 jobs for Malaysians.

He added aside from the manufacturing sector, there are Japanese companies who have ventured into the retail industry in Malaysia; for example, Lalaport, Tsutaya Books and so on. In a nutshell, the trade relationship has evolved over time from manufacturing to retailing.

“I am determined to see this economic relationship continue and expand further.”

Despite the current economic downturn and soft Japanese Yen, Japanese companies continue to look favourably at Malaysia as a good investment destination for reasons of having good infrastructure, a population who have a fair command of English and the nation has thrived on being a strategic logistics hub of Southeast Asia. Surely, investment will continue, he said.

He assures that a consistent effort is always needed to promote better ties

The role of an ambassador is akin to the role of a gardener, that is to say, maintaining the status quo and making it more resilient and then passing the baton to the next successor.

Fortunately, my predecessor had prepared and left a well-maintained garden to me, stemming from a solid relationship with Malaysia. I always tell my staff that we should not take things for granted, instead, we should put more energy and focus to make it a better place.

So, I am here to water and nourish this garden. When my time in Malaysia ends, I would like to see taller plants and a well-nourished soil, the Ambassador added.

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