TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MSIA'S GOOD IMAGE, INVESTORS TOLD

ASTANA (Bernama) – Malaysia's good image in oil-rich
Kazakhstan is a powerful platform for investors to seize opportunities in the
Central Asian country, which is diversifying its economy.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia was
held in high regard by the leaders and people of Kazakhstan and this would
further open up opportunities for Malaysian investors, who were exploring new
areas of businesses abroad.

"What is important is that the future is bright for our entrepreneurs as the
'Malaysian' brand name is held in high regard by Kazakhstan," he told Malaysian
journalists here Tuesday.

He said the warm reception received by Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor on their arrival clearly reflected
Kazakhstan's desire to bring the ties between both countries to a new height.

Mustapa said among notable Malaysian business forays in Kazakhstan included
an investment of US$30 million (RM90.1 million) by a company in a joint venture
that produced 1.3 million tonnes of cement per year and commanded 30 per cent of
the market share and employed about 1,300 workers.

Another Malaysian businessman is developing two small oil fields here,
he said, adding that during Najib's official visit here and his presence at the
seventh World Islamic Economic Forum, eight agreements would be signed between
Malaysian and local companies.

"We are not only encouraging our investors to explore new opportunities here
but are also wooing Kazakhstan investors to take part in Iskandar Malaysia
development in Johor, a southern state in Peninsular Malaysia," he said.



On tourism, he said Malaysia recorded about 15,000 tourist arrivals from
Kazakhstan last year while about 2,000 Malaysian students were pursuing higher
studies here.