Zafrul: Malaysia on strong footing to attract quality investments

Malaysia's economy is on a strong footing to attract quality investments, said International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

国际贸易和工业部长 Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz 表示，马来西亚经济处于吸引优质投资的坚实基础上。

In an interview with CNBC on 5th January morning, he said that although challenges still remain due to global economic uncertainties, China's move to reopen its borders next week bodes well for Malaysia, as China is the nation's largest trading partner.

他在1月5日上午接受CNBC采访时表示，尽管由于全球经济的不确定性，挑战仍然存在，但中国下周重新开放边界的举动对马来西亚来说是个好兆头，因为中国是该国最大的贸易伙伴。

“The move will help our exports and economy. Domestically, efforts focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in key sectors, enhancing the ease of doing business, and moving up the value chain in sectors that we are strong in will also help cushion the impact of global economic headwinds.

“此举将有助于我们的出口和经济。在国内，重点关注关键行业的环境、社会和治理 (ESG) 原则、提高营商便利度以及在我们擅长的行业提升价值链的努力也将有助于缓解全球经济逆风的影响。

“Malaysia is forecasting a 4% growth in 2023. Our growth numbers are looking good, inflation is at 4%, and the unemployment rate is at 3.6%,” he said.

“马来西亚预计 2023 年将增长 4%。我们的增长数字看起来不错，通货膨胀率为 4%，失业率为 3.6%，”他说。

Tengku Zafrul added that Malaysia is expected to register a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 8% to 9% in 2022.

Tengku Zafrul 补充说，马来西亚预计 2022 年的国内生产总值（GDP）将增长 8% 至 9%。

In the first nine months of 2022, the nation's economy expanded by 9.3%, he said, adding that the country registered a 14.2% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2022, amid robust domestic and external demand as well as an improved labour market.

他说，在 2022 年前九个月，国家经济增长了 9.3%，并补充说，在强劲的国内外需求以及劳动力市场改善的情况下，该国在 2022 年第三季度实现了 14.2% 的 GDP 增长。 

During the interview, Tengku Zafrul also noted several possible concerns that could affect global economic growth prospects, namely monetary and fiscal tightening, global tensions such as the Ukraine-Russia war which had disrupted supply chains, as well as exporters' capacity in meeting ESG market demands.

在采访中，Tengku Zafrul还指出了几个可能影响全球经济增长前景的担忧，即货币和财政紧缩、全球紧张局势（如乌克兰-俄罗斯战争扰乱了供应链）以及出口商满足 ESG 市场的能力需要。 

CPTPP to continue 

CPTPP继续

The minister said the Unity Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is very much committed to the nation’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which came into effect on 29th November, 2022 in Malaysia.

部长说，由首相拿督斯里安华依布拉欣领导的团结政府非常致力于国家参与跨太平洋伙伴关系全面进步协议（CPTPP），该协议于 2022 年 11 月 29 日在马来西亚生效.

Replying to a question on whether there would be a re-evaluation of the 11-member trade deal, Tengku Zafrul said that the PM himself had signed all the necessary administrative agreements to ensure that exports and imports can continue under the ratified deal.

在回答是否会重新评估 11 国贸易协议的问题时，Tengku Zafrul表示，首相本人已经签署了所有必要的行政协议，以确保在已批准的协议下继续进出口。

“Some issues were raised by various groups, and we have addressed that by taking a number of actions to mitigate some of the concerns, so we are very much committed to participating in it,” he said.

“一些问题是由不同的团体提出的，我们已经通过采取一些行动来减轻一些担忧来解决这个问题，所以我们非常致力于参与其中，”他说。

Ringgit to strengthen further 

令吉进一步走强

When asked if the worse is over for the ringgit, which depreciated by 6% in 2022, Tengku Zafrul said he is optimistic that the local currency will continue to strengthen in 2023, given Malaysia’s growth forecast for the year.

当被问及令吉在 2022 年贬值 6% 的情况是否已经结束时，Tengku Zafrul表示，鉴于马来西亚今年的增长预测，他乐观地认为当地货币将在 2023 年继续走强。

“I think the key point here is what is going to happen to the US dollar. From my point of view, I think the dollar has reached a comfortable level,” he added.

“我认为这里的关键点是美元将会发生什么。从我的角度来看，我认为美元已经达到了一个舒适的水平，”他补充道。