Malaysia's Strong Business Environment And Sound Fiscal Framework Draw Foreign Investors - BMI
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia offers one of the region's strongest business environments, underpinned by a sound fiscal framework, making it an attractive investment destination for foreign investors, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.
BMI chief economist Cedric Chehab said the country is also one of the most diversified economies in the region, adding that in a more geopolitically fragmented world, Malaysia is considered neutral ground, a factor that is highly important to foreign investors.
He opined that Malaysia has achieved rapid growth in one of today's most important and dynamic industries, namely data centres.
“That is because the economic corridors work together. It is competitive, but the competition is friendly,” he said in a panel session titled ‘Advancing national growth agenda through distinct economic corridors’ at the RHB Progress Series 2026 here today.
Meanwhile, Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Hariss said the state aims to accelerate its growth, especially following the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), positioning it as a preferred destination for both domestic and foreign investors.
“Last year, we managed to attract RM110 billion of approved investment into the country, and it shows confidence and trust. But again, the most important thing is execution.
“So we need a different approach to infrastructure development, our mindset and our way of doing things,” he opined.
Earlier, Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, in his keynote address, said while the government can provide policy certainty and maintain a credible fiscal framework, financing innovation and business expansion must increasingly be undertaken by banks, institutional investors, venture capital firms and private equity players.
Global sukuk also serves as a useful benchmark, helping to attract international investors seeking exposure to Malaysian sovereign risk.
Yesterday, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia has long aspired to become a high-income nation, and a business-as-usual approach is no longer sufficient.
"We must possess the strategic agility to adapt to changing circumstances, diversify partnerships and make decisions that best safeguard our long-term national interests," he said.
The RHB Progress Series 2026: Roots Run Wide, held on Aug 5 and 6, brings together policymakers, regulators, investors and business leaders to discuss Malaysia’s economic transformation and future growth opportunities.
-- BERNAMA