Indian Firms Invest Over US$3 Bln In Malaysia, Create 30,000 Jobs - CIIM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- Indian companies have invested more than US$3 billion (US$1 = RM4.06) in Malaysia and created over 30,000 direct jobs, reflecting the strong economic partnership between Malaysia and India, according to the Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM).

CIIM chairman Datuk Umang Sharma said the investments had contributed significantly to Malaysia's economic development and underscored the growing role of Indian businesses in the country.

Sharma said the growth in Indian investments and business activities in Malaysia had been supported by the active engagement of B.N. Reddy, who recently completed his tenure as Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia.

"Throughout his tenure, His Excellency B.N. Reddy has been a constant source of encouragement and support to the Indian business community in Malaysia and to CIIM's mission of strengthening economic and commercial ties between our two countries," he said at a farewell dinner hosted by CIIM in honour of Reddy and his wife Lalita Devi, here recently. 

The event, attended by more than 150 guests, brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, presidents of business chambers and associations, captains of industry, media representatives and CIIM members.

Describing Reddy as more than just a patron of CIIM, Sharma said he had been a trusted adviser, a strong supporter, an accessible friend and a firm believer in the role of business as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral relations.

Reddy's association with Malaysia spans almost two decades, having previously served as Deputy High Commissioner from 2008 to 2011.

During his earlier posting, he was closely involved in one of the most significant milestones in bilateral economic relations, the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA), which laid the foundation for deeper trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Sharma also credited Reddy with helping to rebuild confidence and restore trust in Malaysia-India relations during challenging periods through patience, wisdom, quiet diplomacy and relentless engagement.

Under Reddy's tenure, Malaysia and India elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while a series of high-level visits further strengthened cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Highlighting what he described as Reddy's "golf diplomacy", Sharma said the High Commissioner had successfully used the sport as a platform to build relationships among diplomats, business leaders and government officials.

"Many meaningful conversations do not always happen across conference tables. They happen on golf courses, where friendships are built, trust is established and partnerships are strengthened," he said.

CIIM also paid tribute to Lalita Devi for her contribution to fostering goodwill and friendships throughout her years in Malaysia.

-- NNN-BERNAMA