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GEORGE TOWN – Japan’s consul-general in Penang Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu hopes the country’s long-standing relations with Malaysia will continue to be strengthened under the new administration.
He expressed his hope for further collaboration between both countries following the appointment of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s new prime minister.
“I am sure that the relationship will further develop and continue. When it comes to cooperation, it is not a one-way affair.
“I hope Japan and Malaysia will continue to promote their strong economic ties,” he told reporters after presenting the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2022 award to Datuk Tomiyasu Ushiama, here today.
Ushiama is the honorary advisor of the Perak Malaysian-Japanese Friendship Society.
According to International Trade and Industry Ministry data, Japan is one of Malaysia’s top sources of foreign direct investment in terms of implemented manufacturing projects, with a total value of US$688 million (RM3.1 billion) recorded from January to June this year.
In terms of trade, Japan accounted for 6.7% of Malaysia’s total trade, which rose by 49.5% year-on-year to RM17.11 billion in September 2022.
Commenting on the commendation ceremony, Yoshiyasu said this award acknowledged Ushiama’s long history of contribution to upholding the relationship between Japan and Malaysia.
In his acceptance speech, Ushiama said he was honoured and humbled by the commendation.
“I was sent from Sagami, Japan to Ipoh in 1969 to establish a joint venture for rubber products manufacturing through the establishment of Sagami Industries Sdn Bhd.
“In 1981, the Ipoh branch of the Penang Malaysian-Japanese Society was established and renamed Perak Malaysian-Japanese Friendship Society in 1986, which aimed to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between both countries,” he added. – Bernama, December 14, 2022