INTERNATIONAL investors have indicated their confidence in the Malaysian government’s ability to steer the country towards economic stability, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng who is leading a high-level delegation to Japan for talks on Tokyo’s issuance of RM7.4 billion samurai bonds to Malaysia.

Lim arrived in Japan on Wednesday with a 20-member delegation which included Treasury secretary-general Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir, Treasury deputy secretary-general Siti Zauyah Md Desa and Bank Negara Malaysia assistant governor Marzunisham Omar, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

“The purpose of this trip was to promote Malaysia as a stable and high-potential investment destination.

“It was also aimed at giving the international investing community confidence to take part in the forthcoming samurai bond issuance valued at ¥200 billion and guaranteed by the Japan Bank Investment Corporation,” said the statement.

Lim, who met with investors and senior Japanese government officials, said investors remain confident of Malaysia’s economic potential as well as the current government’s ability to drive the nation’s economy forward.

“Malaysia continues to be regarded as an attractive investment destination by investors,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

“They are confident that their investments will be used to grow Malaysia’s economy to the fullest.”

The bonds, which make up a financial aid package, will be formally issued in the coming months and will be the single largest financial foreign assistance since Pakatan Harapan took over Putrajaya after the May 9 polls last year.

Lim had earlier met Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso and adviser to the prime minister Shinya Izumi, said the statement.

In the meetings, future collaborations and investment opportunities were also discussed, it said.

“The long-held close relationship and cooperation between the two governments is expected to develop further through this trip and deliver a positive impact for all Malaysians.

“It is hoped that the relationship between the two countries will attain the great heights (that were achieved) when the Look East policy was first introduced by YAB Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad), where Japan played a major role in Malaysia’s economic development at the time.”

Last month, Lim announced the appointment of Mizuho Bank (M) Bhd, HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd and Daiwa Markets Singapore Ltd as lead arrangers for the proposed 10-year samurai bond issue.

A samurai bond is a yen-denominated bond issued in Tokyo by a non-Japanese company or entity and subject to Japanese regulations.

Samurai bonds give the issuer access to investment capital available in Japan. – February 3, 2019.