KUALA LUMPUR: The dust from Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union, or Brexit, is settling down and Malaysia remains keen to cement ties.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that unlike many countries, ties with Britain cut across a broad spectrum.
It will be business as usual, he assured.
“Brexit will not undo the ties between both countries, which were among the fears two months ago."
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Brexit and Malaysia: A New Opportunity’, Mustapa said the Malaysian business community must be prepared for eventual changes when the Brexit comes through in two years.
Close bilateral relations have led total Malaysian investments in the UK to close to £5 billion.
“We see substantial Malaysian investments in the UK - automotive, education, leisure, hotels, retail, property development, utilities and power generation and even up to buying UK football clubs."
Malaysia is the second largest investor in the London commercial property market after the United States.
The UK ranks as the 8th largest investor in Malaysia in terms of implemented projects for the manufacturing sector last year.
A total of 433 manufacturing projects have been implemented, mainly focused on chemical and chemicals products.
MITI will lead a special promotion programme in London involving various government departments from Sept 24 till 27.
An investment forum as well as business meetings will be organised for companies looking to develop new linkages with Malaysian partners and suppliers.