OSAKA, Aug 9 — Malaysia is optimistic about achieving its investment target of RM13 billion by participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, said Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Speaking to the Malaysian press at the Malaysia Pavilion at the Expo, he said that so far, Malaysia has recorded potential investment and trade amounting to RM11.2 billion, which is close to the overall target.
“So far, I have been informed that we have reached a potential investment and trade of RM11.2 billion. Hopefully, we can meet the target. Not too far away,” Tengku Zafrul said.
The investments involve sectors like green technology, halal industry, renewable energy, bioeconomy, and the digital economy.
“Coincidentally, this week is also Sarawak Week, and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is here. He also witnessed several memoranda of understanding, including one memorandum of agreement,” he said.
In terms of visitor turnout, Tengku Zafrul noted that the Malaysia Pavilion recorded an impressive achievement, attracting over 2.2 million visitors as of last week, far exceeding the initial target of 1.5 million.
“This shows the success of the Malaysia Pavilion. When I asked what was most interesting, I was told it is our roti canai, which sells 1,500 pieces a day.
“It is not cheap — I understand it is priced at over RM50 per piece,” he said, adding that the “flying roti canai” performance and traditional dances have also drawn significant interest from international visitors.
Regarding Malaysia’s potential involvement in Expo 2030 Riyadh, the minister said that the issue will be presented at the Cabinet meeting once an official invitation from the organisers is received.
“We had a meeting at the pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they presented their plans for the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
“An official invitation to join the Expo will be sent in due course. The director of Expo 2030 will send the invitation.
"When we receive the official invitation, we will consider the whole concept, and I believe the next step will usually be to present it to the Cabinet before making a decision,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul noted that 25 Malaysian companies have already begun exploring opportunities to participate in construction and related services for Expo 2030.
“We wanted to know the progress regarding Malaysian companies’ participation. They mentioned being open to supporting the construction of the World Expo,” he said.
