PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is confident Malaysia will become the “perfect” destination for Qatari investors and also serve as a bridge to a wider market in the Asean region.
He said Malaysia had maintained a stable economy with a gross domestic product growth of 4.6 per cent in the first three quarters this year.
“With a solid economic foundation, Malaysia continues to attract foreign direct investments,” Dr Mahathir said at a roundtable meeting with Qatari captains of industry here yesterday.
He said among areas that could be ventured into were oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, food processing, the halal industry, hotel business, tourism, banking and Islamic finance.
“We have only a few Qatari investments in Malaysia.
“I am confident that Qatari investors will find Malaysia to be an interesting base to expand their operations overseas.”
Dr Mahathir said Malaysian investors could also look into opportunities in Qatar.
“We also believe that there are many opportunities for Malaysian businessmen to explore in this country (Qatar).
“Malaysian companies operating in Qatar are Gamuda, UEM, Eversendei, Holiday Villa dan Malaysia Airports.”
Dr Mahathir is on a four-day official visit to the country.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir had an audience with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al Thani, at his palace, Amiri Diwan.
He was accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Dr Mahathir was accorded a state welcome, during which both countries’ national anthems were sung. He also inspected a guard of honour during the ceremony.
Later, Dr Mahathir and Sheikh Tamim Hamad had a meeting to discuss efforts to strengthen the Malaysian-Qatari relationship and other issues of common interests.
Both leaders also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the setting up of a high-level joint committee between the countries’ Foreign Ministries.
Sheikh Tamim also feted Dr Mahathir and his delegates to lunch. The latter also held a meeting with Qatar Foundation chairman Sheikha Moza Nasser Al Missned.