Rothman and Roman, a Europe-based international strategic communications company has revealed that Malaysia is among countries in the region to see increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) from central and eastern European (CEE) countries. The study, which involved 10,000 survey participants from 10 CEE countries, discovered that more consumers and businesses from these nations are likely to regard Malaysia as competitive, innovative, and technologically advanced.
According to the research, FDI from CEE into Malaysia was valued at EUR 24.3 billion (USD 26 billion) in 2019 and is anticipated to increase significantly in the following few years. The EU, which includes CEE countries, imported USD 37.02 billion from Malaysia in 2022, more than tripling the number of exports from the EU to Malaysia over the previous six years. The EU accounts for 7.4% of all commerce with Malaysia, making it its fifth-largest trading partner. Malaysia rose to the 20th position in terms of goods trade with the EU in 2020.
Key developments in trade relations may also influence the future growth between Malaysia and the CEE region. This includes the signing of trade agreements between Malaysia and individual CEE countries or the European Union (EU), the possibility of increased demand for goods and services due to economic growth in both Malaysia and the CEE region as well as the adoption of new national strategic policies and initiatives by the relevant governments. Other significant measures include trade promotion activities, dynamic business forums, incentives for exporters, and the optimization of trade procedures.
(Sources: The Star Online, New Straits Times)
