M`SIAN PM CALLS ON HOPO COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE TO INVEST IN MALAYSIA

GENTING HIGHLANDS (Malaysia), Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib
Razak today called on the Hopo community worldwide, a sub-group of the Hakka, to
take advantage of the business and trade opportunities available in Malaysia,
following the full liberalisation of the 27 services sub-sectors recently.

Najib said Malaysia, located at the centre of the vibrant East Asian region,
was a viable investment destination and the Hopo community with their worldwide
network, knowledge and expertise could join forces and collaborate with their
Malaysian counterparts.

The Prime Minister said the Hopo community had their own strengths, be it
capital, technology, raw materials, market size, purchasing power, logistics or
distribution network, that they could leverage on and form partnerships or
strategic alliances.

"I invite you to join us in our journey towards a developed nation that
also offers exciting possibilities.

"The businessmen and entrepreneurs among you can join forces with
Malaysians to undertake projects in Malaysia, China and even in third
countries," he said in his keynote address at the First World Hopo
Community Convention here Thursday attended by some 1,500 delegates from 18
countries.

The Hopo community accounts for a quarter of the Hakka population in
Malaysia.

The Hopo community, originating from the Teochew area in Southern China,
migrated to other parts of the world including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Najib also said members of the Hopo community in Malaysia, were involved in
tin mining, plantation, real estate development and manufacturing for
generations.

"They can act as ambassadors and help promote the country as a destination
for foreign investments and tourism.

"With your knowledge and network, the Hopo community in Malaysia can act as
the local partner for joint ventures and promotional activities in the country,"
he said.

The Prime Minister also said new and additional opportunities were available
in the southern state of Johor's Iskandar Region, the east Malaysian state of
Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy and the East Coast Economic Region with its
special economic zones with focus on high technology, knowledge-based activities
and the services sectors.

"I would like to assure entrepreneurs and investors from China and those
among the Hopo community, worldwide, that you are most welcomed in Malaysia.

"My government is pro-business and market friendly and will facilitate,
enhance and make it easier for you to do business here," said Najib.

The Prime Minister stressed the government improved the public delivery
system, shortened approval processes and were committed to providing increased
opportunities to investors in the growing Malaysian economy.

He said first class infrastructure combined with the enabling and business
friendly government policies prompted leading multinationals to set up
operations in Malaysia.

"Others, have expanded their businesses and reinvested to take advantage of
the incentives offered," he added.

On China, Najib said it offered new opportunities for business as there were
emerging signs of economic recovery judging from the annual growth of 7.9 per
cent recorded between April and June this year.

He said through networking in trade, tourism and cultural exchanges,
businessmen and entrepreneurs could take advantage of the economic improvement
to strengthen existing linkages and explore new businesses.

"The global economy has been afflicted by the worst economic crisis in
decades. Undoubtly as it is, there is hope and opportunities abound.

"It is best reflected by the Chinese character for crisis, which you are
all familiar with, which also represents opportunity," Najib told the delegates.

The First Hopo Community Convention themed, "Promoting Trade, Tourism and
Cultural Exchanges Through Networking", is being held for three days.
-- BERNAMA