| Govt Policies Gearing Towards Tech-Intensive Manufacturing |
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HONG KONG, July 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian government's policies are now geared towards encouraging and supporting skills- and technology-intensive manufacturing, particularly building upon the strong foundation already in place in the electronic sector, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said today.
Rafidah said investments were being encouraged in areas like nanotechnology, production of micro-electronic mechanical systems, wireless communication, alternative energy, precision parts and equipment, and information and communications technology (ICT).
Among others were export-oriented resources-based industries that capitalised on Malaysia's natural resources, pharmaceuticals, processed food, service industries, including education, healthcare, tourism, shared services and outsourcing, she said.
"Malaysia is no longer a competitive location for labour-intensive and low-end manufacturing," Rafidah said at the "Investment Opportunities in Malaysia" seminar here.
About 250 participants attended the half-day seminar, which was held in conjunction with the Malaysian trade and investment mission here. Previously, the minister was in Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo and Fukuoka in Japan.
Members of the mission include Malaysian Industrial Development Authority director-general Datuk R. Karunakaran, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, other government officials and representatives from the private sector.
Also present at today's seminar was Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Frederick Ma Si-Hang.
Rafidah said even Malaysian companies were being urged to seek business potential in China and India in areas where the companies could provide the requisite competitiveness.
-- BERNAMA
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