JEDDAH: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the business community in Saudi Arabia to invest more in Malaysia, now that the country is under a stable government with clear policies.
Speaking to hundreds of Saudi and Malaysian businessmen, he said the new government under his leadership is committed to making it easier to do business in the country, with reforms that support businesses and the Madani agenda.
“I would like to appeal to some of you in the business community to send delegations and meet your counterparts soon after Ramadan,” he said.
Anwar listed the priority sectors as digital technology, food security, and infrastructure.
“We look forward to your active participation in Malaysia,” he said during his keynote address at the gathering.
Anwar, who is on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from March 22, said there was a good reciprocal relationship between both countries in terms of investment.
“We have had some form of investments in infrastructure (from Saudi Arabia in Malaysia) and it is also amazing (that Malaysia), with a small economy compared to Saudi Arabia, has investments here.
“I would strongly urge you all to give all the necessary support because this will make a lot of difference for the Muslim world and hence promote more vibrant economies,” he said.
He also shared with the audience Malaysia’s potential and its attractiveness as an investment destination, which recently drew an investment of RM25.5 billion from Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Anwar, who is also the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) governor for Malaysia, said efforts must be made to ensure that the bank’s centre in Kuala Lumpur becomes truly meaningful.
“Use this centre in all fields, including in halal research, even vaccines, focus on new challenges, science, technology, innovation, food security, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.
“The IsDB Centre of Excellence KL must be prepared to explore these new fields and disciplines that can benefit the ummah,” he said.