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.

Malaysia’s involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership 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,” 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 its capital Tokyo prepares to host the 2020 Olympics.

“These 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 and Malaysian participants.

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