The Unveiling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) this year has added yet a major boost to the sustainability and buoyant growth of the Malaysian economy over the next five years. Malaysia is confident of achieving this year's six per cent projected growth forecast as rising investments counters the risk of higher oil prices. Private investment grew 11.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, exceeding the 11.2 per cent annual target set under the government's development plan for 2006 to 2010.

Under the 9MP, the Government has earmarked an 18 per cent rise in public development spending to RM200 billion from 2006 to 2010.

In 2004 and 2005, Malaysia recorded a total of 2,127 approved manufacturing projects involving a total capital investment of Euro 13 billion. Of this total, 52 per cent were foreign direct investment with a total capital outlay of Euro 6.7 billion, while the remaining was domestic investment.

Approved manufacturing projects were mainly for major industries such as electrical and electronic products (1,501 projects; investment of Euro 9.4 billion); fabricated metal products (487 projects, investment of Euro 913 million), machinery manufacturing (443 projects, investment of Euro 761 million) and others including food manufacturing, transport equipment, plastic products, chemicals and chemical products, furniture and fixtures, and basic metal products (total of 1,764 projects involving capital investment of Euro 6 billion).

Malaysia's engineering supporting industry covering sub-sectors mould and die, metal casting, machining, metal stamping, surface treatment/finishing and heat treatment, plays a significant role in the economy's structural transformation to a fully industrialized nation by 2020. It provides vital support for the expanding manufacturing sector and complements the M&E industry.

MTS2007 will be your best investment to expand your market in Asia.