He said investors would benefit from Malaysia’s strategic geographical location in the heart of Asean, its pragmatic and business-friendly policies, as well as well-developed infrastructure and connectivity.

He also said Malaysia’s involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, coupled with the ongoing negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partner­ship, could serve as a bridge to other potential markets not only within the Asia-Pacific region, but also in the international arena.

“We welcome more investments from Japan, particularly in the new growth areas with emerging technologies, high-technology, capital-intensive, high value-added, knowledge-based, skills-intensive and export-oriented, which provide high-income jobs.

“We encourage investments that will help to position Malaysia as a country that can develop innovative and creative products and services,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said in his keynote address at the 34th joint Japan-Malay­sia Economic Association (Jameca) and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association conference held here. Addressing top Japanese industry leaders among the 120 participants, he also touched on the development of the halal industry in Japan as the country prepares to host the 2020 Olympics in the capital city of Tokyo.

“This prospects will in turn create new business opportunities here and raise more interest in Japan from abroad.

“It is my hope that Malaysian investors will capitalise on this golden opportunity to venture into new businesses in Tokyo, especially in the halal food industry,” he said.

The one-day conference was attended by 30 Jameca members, 90 Japanese companies interested to invest in Malaysia and Malaysian participants.

Some of the big Japanese names that participated included Hitachi Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan Airlines, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Corporation, Yakazi Corpora­tion, Toyo University and Brahim’s Food Japan.