KUALA LANGAT: The government wants more local companies to build ties and initiate cooperation with foreign industry players.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move would not only help Malaysian businesses grab wider market opportunities, but also diversify and improve their products and services.
Speaking at the launch of Demak Motorcycle’s new products in Banting here, Zahid said Malaysian entrepreneurs must make it a priority in their future business development plans to venture beyond Asean and explore the global market.
"Malaysian industry players must cater not only to the local market, but (to the region and the rest of the) world.
"I welcome the foreign direct investments brought in by China. Malaysia and China are in collaboration economically, and (their investments are the largest) in our country.
"Local businesses must not see foreign investors as a threat, as they are here not to take over from domestic investors.
"Speaking on behalf of the government, I would like to encourage Malaysian companies to bring more foreign investors into our country to help further develop our economy," Zahid said in his speech.
Also present were Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and DNC Asiatic Holdings Sdn Bhd (Demak manufacturer and assembler in Malaysia) chairman Datuk Seri Feona Wan Junaidi, among others.
In his speech, Zahid also reminded corporate leaders of their responsibility to gain foreign investors' confidence in the country.
He said the country's Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of this year, which showed an increase of 5.6 per cent, is a good achievement and evidence that Malaysia has a strong economic base.
"The success comes from the confidence that not only foreign investors, but also local players, have in the country's economy.
"However, there are parties trying to play up negative sentiments through analyses made by political and economic analysts.
"Corporate leaders must work together with the government in gaining the confidence (of investors). We can sweep aside the negative sentiments that some are trying to play up with our good (economic) performance," he added.
During the event, Zahid launched eight new Demak motorcycle models which will be available on the Malaysian market soon.
The models – six of which are all-new, while two others are facelifted versions of existing models – are assembled in the country.