Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia has been ranked second in Asia for infrastructure investment attractiveness and fifth on the international scale in the latest Global Infrastructure Investment Index released by the Global Design &Consultancy firm for natural and built assets Arcadis.
The report said that Malaysia’s strong economic performance and policies encouraging long-term investment in infrastructure has made it attractive for private and inward investments.
The 11th Malaysia Plan, launched in 2015, stresses the importance of infrastructure development in becoming a fully developed nation by 2020. The country is facilitating infrastructure construction to boost productivity and support economic expansion.
Major projects to be completed in Malaysia include the Klang Valley mass rapid transit, the 2,000 kilometre Pan-Borneo Highway and the West Coast Expressway.
Under the projects, 93,000 kilometres of new roads will be constructed, increasing the road network by 68 percent.
However, Arcadis pointed out that ensuring the quality and sustainability of the new infrastructure will be a challenge for the country.
According to the report, Singapore secured its position as the world’s most attractive market for infrastructure investment thanks to a stable political situation, secure business climate and strong growth potential.
In terms of economic scores, China ranked first among 41 countries analysed, yet its less attractive business conditions and higher risk environment placed the country at 17th in the index.-VNA