PM’s speech eagerly awaited
BY WONG SAI WANTOKYO: Japanese politicians and businessmen are eagerly awaiting Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s first speech in Japan as Prime Minister today, said Malaysian Ambassador Datuk M.N. Marzuki.
“There are a lot of expectations in regard to the Prime Minister’s keynote speech at the 10th Nekkei International Conference,” he said, adding that the political and business community here was keen to find out the views of the fifth Malaysian Prime Minister.
Abdullah, who arrived here last night, will be the first speaker at the conference entitled The Future of Asia organised by Nihon Keizai Shimbun Inc. Also attending the conference will be his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and former Philippine president Fidel Ramos.
The three former leaders of Asean are frequent participants and speakers at the conference.
Abdullah is also scheduled to meet his Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi before leaving for home.
Asked about current bilateral ties between the two countries, Marzuki said the relations were “very mature and at a very confident level”.
He said that trade between the two countries was very consistent at US$1bil (RM3.8bil) a month each way.
“There are more than 1,400 Japanese companies which have invested in Malaysia and about half are into manufacturing.”
He also revealed that 120 fresh Japanese investments were approved in the past 18 months – mostly to expand and diversify existing investments.
“This shows the confidence of the Japanese in the stability and conditions in Malaysia,” he said.
News Poll
- Transsexual staring at big change over 'wrong' photo
- Billions siphoned - Sarawak govt steps in
- Good Samaritan turns out to be an evil rapist
- Retiree drives himself to death
- Fraudsters cash bail money with forged papers
- Birthday bash turns tragic
- WHO: More women getting HIV from their husbands
- BTN courses inculcate sense of patriotism, says BN leaders
- Perak MB slams Nik Aziz over call for demise prayer
- CC to decide on election how and when, says Soi Lek
- Billions siphoned - Sarawak govt steps in
- Most developing countries trust Malaysia's maritime role, says Tee Keat
- Transsexual staring at big change over 'wrong' photo
- Fernandes is Airline CEO of the Year
- Fraudsters cash bail money with forged papers
- AirAsia needs better customer service
- WHO: More women getting HIV from their husbands
- Lonely and seeking love at Saleng Zoo
- Mass retrenchment fears in Sarawak Shell
- Retiree drives himself to death
RSS
