Malaysia scouts Japanese SMEs

"We will work hard to attract them because Malaysia is the best choice for the Japanese companies, including in meeting their government's need to locate their data centres overseas after being hit by the tsunami in March," he told said after the closure of the Kedah Economic Transformation Lab on Thursday.

The three-day lab, organised by the ministry, attracted over 100 entrepreneurs, academicians and economists. It has identified 28 economic initiatives that would be forwarded to the government. Earlier, Mukhriz urged Malaysian companies to think outside the box and be creative in helping the government boost the economy.

He said the exports of wood-based and health products and gloves to Japan were expected to increase.

He also said that Malaysia's economy was on track to grow further after suffering a decline during the economic crisis in 2009.

"In 2006, we recorded RM1 trillion in trade. In 2009, there was a slight fall following the cancellation of orders by US and European companies.

"There are no problems now. Last year, the value increased to RM1.2 trillion and we are now on the right track," he said.