NEW YORK, September 25 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to attract investors to Malaysia continue with separate meetings with four giant companies: Google, Boeing, Medtronic, and Siemens Healthineers. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after these discussions, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that all these companies have expressed their desire to expand their operations and businesses in Malaysia.
“The Unity Government will also facilitate and encourage investment to ensure that Malaysia continues to be the preferred investment destination in the Southeast Asian region,” said the Prime Minister, who is in New York to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Among those present were Google’s President and Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, Boeing Global’s President Dr. Brendan Nelson, Medtronic’s Chairman and CEO, Geoff Martha, and Siemens Healthcare’s Global CEO, Tisha Boatman.
The meeting, held at Anwar’s New York accommodation, was also attended by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz, Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Kadir, as well as representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
On Thursday morning, Anwar held meetings and interactions with 15 leading U.S. companies listed in the Fortune 500, including Airbnb, Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Boeing, ConocoPhillips, and Kimberly-Clark, at the Harvard Club, New York. The Prime Minister also met with renowned economists, including Nobel Memorial Prize winner in economic sciences, Professor Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University. He said the opportunity was also utilized for both of them to exchange views on the need for a more equitable economic opportunity, especially in an increasingly challenging global economic environment.
“We also discussed steps and strategies that can be implemented to increase income, eradicate poverty, and ensure sustainability,” he said. Anwar said they also agreed that a more comprehensive education should be emphasized to build the character and personality of future generations. “The ideas discussed will be utilized and expanded to enhance the country’s economic potential,” he added.
