Our pattern of trade and economic structure has evolved over several decades to become a highly diversified economy. The macro economic stability reinforced by the long term development plans, pro-business policies, developed physical infrastructure, conducive business environment and trained labour force, have contributed to the advancement in our trading and industrial sector. Malaysia, in particular, has become a global player in the export of several products. In the electrical and electronics sector, Malaysia is a major exporter of semiconductors, automatic data processing machines and telecommunications equipment. BIS Review 57/2008  1  While in the furniture industry, Malaysia is currently ranked among the top ten exporters of furniture in the world. In the services sector, Malaysian companies have ventured abroad, undertaking projects in the construction of roads, ports, airports, highways, bridges, houses, commercial buildings, power generation and telecommunication, in countries of the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN and South Asia. Malaysian companies have also gained expertise in the oil and gas sector, education and healthcare. In the ICT sector, Malaysia has been ranked globally as the third most favoured location for outsourcing of business processes. Business and investment opportunities Trade has for many centuries been an important factor that has linked the Middle East to Asia. In the recent few years, the trade between Asia and countries in the Middle East has been on an upward trend.
Up to USD100 billion investments in the region are expected over the next 25 years. As at the end of April 2008, more than USD10.4 billion of investment have been committed by investors, accounting for about 70 percent of the USD15 billion investment targeted by 2010. The targeted sectors identified for development in the region are financial advisory and consulting services; creative industries; logistics; educational services; tourism related services; and healthcare. As an international Islamic financial hub in the Asian region with a track record of almost three decades in Islamic finance, Malaysia is well positioned to promote stronger economic linkages between our two regions. Malaysia is not only already highly integrated to the ASEAN region and to the greater Asia, but also has own initiatives and exciting development projects. On that note, it is our hope that the Malaysia Country showcase be an engaging event for the business and financial communities from this region and the Malaysian delegation. It is hoped that this greater engagement will lead to increased economic and financial ties between our regions. Thank you. BIS Review 57/2008  3