On behalf of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), I extend my heartiest congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan.
Aug. 31 marks Hari Merdeka in Malaysia. Exactly 60 years ago today, in 1957, Malaysia gained its independence. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan followed soon after, and in the next year, 1958, JETRO set up its office in Kuala Lumpur. The economic relationship between our two countries has prospered ever since thanks to the vitality lent by private enterprise.
Japanese companies have been active in Malaysia since even before those of its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The first Japanese manufacturer approved to establish a plant by the Malaysian government was Lion Corp. in 1959. After a trade agreement between our countries came into effect in 1960, Ajinomoto Co. established its presence the following year. In 1962, Malaysia authorized 15 Japanese trading firms to open local offices. And three years later, the entry of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (currently Panasonic Corp.) helped usher in a rush of Japanese investment in the electric and electronics industry in Malaysia.