KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's rich culture and its multilingual community are among the things that attract investors to the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such Malaysian characteristics - along with the country's peace and prosperity - are very atttractive to foreign direct investors.
He said these will continue to be strengthened by the government in its focus to build the economy.
"We are capable of many things. We are a peaceful country with a rich culture, and we have people who are proficient in Malay, Mandarin, English and Tamil languages. These things attract investors.
"We have to give more emphasis (on this) from now on," Anwar said in a speech during a Chinese New Year event hosted by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here today.
He also acknowledged Malaysia's trade relations with China, and how trade with the Asian superpower contributed to the country's economic progress.
Anwar said more efforts will be made to expand bilateral relations in the fields of education, culture and others.
"Looking at our history, our relationship dates back to the Melaka Sultanate. This historical relationship shows our strong ties.
"As I said, China is one of the driving forces in the country's economic expansion and now, we have expanded that in the fields of education, culture, university research collaborations and relations with Chinese companies.
"And with political stability and a strong government, we must focus on these aspects and expand our capabilities in all fields."
Anwar said he recently received a letter from China's president Xi Jinping on enhancing the strategic partnership between China and Malaysia. He did not divulge details of this.
Present at the event were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.
Also present were Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall president Ngan Teng Ye.