PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the business community in Saudi Arabia to invest more in Malaysia now that it has a stable government with clear policies.

Talking to a gathering of Saudi and Malaysian businessmen at the Islamic Development Bank headquarters in Jeddah, he said the new government is committed to making it easier to do business, with associated reforms and the Madani agenda.

“I would appeal therefore to some of the business community, soon after Ramadan to send delegations and meet your counterparts. 

“We will of course encourage you to invest and I mentioned our priorities: digital technology, food security, and of course, infrastructure.

“We look forward to your active participation,” he told them.

Anwar said there is a good reciprocal relationship between both countries in terms of investment.

“We have had some form of investments in infrastructure… and it is also amazing (that Malaysia) with a small economy compared to Saudi Arabia, has investments in Saudi.

“I would strongly urge you all to give all the necessary support because this will make a lot of difference for the Muslim world and hence promote more vibrant economies,” he added.

The prime minister used the recent RM25.5 billion deal with Amazon Web Services as an example.

Anwar, who is also ISDB governor for Malaysia, asked that the bank’s centre in Kuala Lumpur becomes truly meaningful.

“Use this centre in all fields, including in halal research, even vaccines, focus on new challenges, science, technology, innovation, food security, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.

“The ISDB Centre of Excellence KL must be prepared to explore these new fields and disciplines that can benefit the ummah,” he said. – Bernama, March 23, 2023.