Malaysia can expect to see more Japanese investments early next year, says Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Masahiko Horie.

Without disclosing details of the projects, Horie said he was preparing for the investment inflows into Malaysia.

In terms of trade, he also expects bilateral trade to expand this year from the RM100 billion last year supported by the better economic situation.

Horie also pointed out the growing interest of Japanese retirees to pick Malaysia as their second home under The Malaysia My Second Home programme.

Under the programme, there are currently 1,500 Japanese retirees in Malaysia, expecting this to increase by 10% this year.

Since 2006, Malaysia has been the leading destination among 10 countries with 16.6 % share, ahead of Hawaii, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, Canada, the Philippines, Indonesia, Spain and the US.

Japanese tourists also accounted for 40% of some 400,000 Japanese nationals in Malaysia.

He attributed the rising Japanese interest in Malaysia to the climate, political and social stability, distance to Japan and the country's multi-ethnic population.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has added new flights to Haneda Airport which is closer to Tokyo than Narita Airport and the long-haul budget airline AirAsiaX has also launched new flights between the two countries, starting December 9.

Adapted from NST Business Times 9 December 2010

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