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BUSINESS • 19/06/2026 05:31 PM

Malaysia's Rise In IMD Ranking Reflects Sustained Reforms, Public-Private Cooperation - FMM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's rise to 15th place in the 2026 International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking reflects sustained reform efforts and closer coordination between the public and private sectors, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) said.

In a statement today, FMM said it had contributed to the process through its participation in the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) and other government-industry engagement platforms.

“Over the years, FMM has consistently advocated improvements in regulatory processes, trade facilitation, tax administration, logistics efficiency, port operations, and the reduction of compliance burdens on businesses,” it said. 

The federation said improvements in business licensing, customs procedures, digitalisation of government services, and stakeholder consultation mechanisms had helped create a more conducive business environment.

“The marked gains in government efficiency and business efficiency demonstrate the positive impact of sustained reform efforts and public-private collaboration.” 

FMM also said the higher competitiveness ranking strengthens Malaysia's appeal as a foreign direct investment destination, supports its integration into regional and global supply chains, and boosts investor confidence amid heightened geopolitical and trade uncertainties.

According to the federation, the result aligns with the government's ambition to place Malaysia among the world's 12 most competitive economies by 2033, with continued improvements in infrastructure, logistics efficiency, trade facilitation, workforce readiness, and the overall cost of doing business needed to achieve the target.

“While Malaysia has made significant progress, further improvements in transport connectivity, port performance, digital infrastructure, energy reliability, regulatory predictability and the speed of project approvals will be important in sustaining competitiveness and attracting higher-value investments,” it said.

FMM further said that it remains committed to working closely with the government to sustain the momentum and further strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness.

“Through PEMUDAH and its own industry platforms, FMM will continue to provide data-driven industry feedback and practical policy recommendations on issues affecting business competitiveness, including trade facilitation, logistics efficiency, tax administration, regulatory reform, raw material security and Industry 4.0 adoption.

“Continued collaboration between the public and private sectors will be critical to translating these gains into stronger investment, higher productivity, quality job creation, and a more resilient manufacturing sector,” it said. 

Yesterday, it was reported that Malaysia has climbed eight spots in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for 2026 to 15th among 70 countries.

This marks a substantial improvement from 23rd place in 2025 and 34th in 2024, representing Malaysia's highest ranking in the annual index to date.

-- BERNAMA

 

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