Malaysia and Japan to discuss economic cooperation, woo investors

TOKYO: Investment, economic and trade cooperation, regional issues, disaster management, education and tourism are among matters to be discussed during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's five-day working visit to Tokyo beginning tomorrow.
Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Ahmad Izlan Idris said the visit, would be a remarkable platform for both nations to strengthen their diplomatic relations established in 1957.
He said the deputy prime minister is scheduled to meet his Japanese counterpart, Taro Aso, on the third day of his visit to reflect Kuala Lumpur's continuing commitment to engage with Japan.
"This visit is aimed at promoting investment and trade. It is important for us because the backbone of this bilateral tie is economy and trade," he told Malaysian reporters here today.
Ahmad Zahid is expected to arrive at the Haneda Airport Sunday afternoon, marking his first visit to the 'the land of the rising sun' as Deputy Prime Minister.
His entourage would include his wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis, Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to East Asia, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
A major itinerary in Ahmad Zahid's programme will be his meeting and keynote address at the 34th Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (Majeca) and Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (Jemaca) Joint Conference.
The associations were formed to promote closer economic relations between the private sectors of both nations through mutual discussions at an annual economic forum and other related activities.
He will also hold a roundtable meeting with captains of the industry and businesses in Tokyo, known as one of the three "command centres" for world economy alongside London and New York City.
Apart from enabling Ahmad Zahid to touch base with Japanese business officials, the visit is also crucial to promote Malaysia as a strategic investment destination. — Bernama