SINGAPORE: Several countries have expressed their interest to invest in Malaysia particularly in Borneo, revealed Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking.

Without naming the countries and industries that they may venture into, the minister said the interest may be translated into new investments and injection of additional investments into existing operations.

“They are keen to invest particularly at the Borneo border linking Indonesia and Brunei,” he told Bernama during a wrap-up session here today.

Borneo is shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and Brunei.

Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory Labuan have a combined population of about 19 million.

Darell was leading the Malaysian delegation, to the island republic, for five days to attend the 50th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings which ends today..

Darell also agreed for BIMP-EAGA countries to use the platform to attract as much investments possible and in the process create employment opportunities in Borneo especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

The matter, discussed at length with representatives from Brunei, was also raised during Darell’s meeting with Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita in Jakarta recently.

The BIMP-EAGA which stands for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines – East Asia Growth Area, was launched in 1994.

Darell, despite his busy schedule, held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, India, as well as Canada.

He also met Jeffrey D. Gerrish, the Deputy United States Trade Representative for Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Industrial Competitiveness.

For the 10-country regional pact, Darell opined that by having a “single unifying brand” such as the ASEAN vehicle, could act as a catalyst for the grouping to move forward.

“We may start with the vehicle first and than the whole automotive industry in the region that includes the supply chain that will link and eventually grow together,” he said, adding that “we may have cheaper components, services and maintenance.”

During his visit to Jakarta in June, Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had indicated the possibility of reviving the proposed Malaysia-Indonesia car project for the ASEAN market.

The idea cropped up when Indonesian President Joko Widodo, visited Proton’s Centre of Excellence during a state visit to Malaysia in 2015, and had the privilege of being taken on a three-lap spin at Proton’s testing track by Dr Mahathir, who was than Proton Chairman.

According to industry sources, talks have been initiated, at a technical level, to pursue the project to fruition. – Bernama