He also noted Malaysia’s successful transition from a natural-resource-based economy towards a modern technology-driven industrial economy, including the semiconductor, artificial intelligence and data-centre sectors. Myanmar’s Yadanapon Cyber City near PyinOoLwin, covering more than 2,800 hectares, was highlighted as an opportunity for investment in information technology, software development, high-tech industries and digital services.

He said Malaysian companies in electrical and electronics, semiconductors, machinery and equipment and digital technology could combine their experience with Myanmar’s manufacturing capabilities, workforce and market base to develop assembly, component manufacturing, technical training and technology-transfer activities.

He proposed cooperation between Malaysian technology companies and Myanmar universities, technical schools and private businesses in internship programmes, vocational training, technical certification and skills development.

To make bilateral economic cooperation more practical, the President suggested strengthening a regular Business Dialogue and Business Matching Mechanism involving government departments, business associations, chambers of commerce and the private sector.

He also proposed establishing a Business Information and Investment Facilitation Platform to connect investment opportunities, tradable products, required technologies and quality standards, potential business partners and market needs in one place. Through such mechanisms, discussions could lead to concrete investment projects, joint ventures, export contracts and technology partnerships, he said.

He added that Myanmar protects domestic products and investments under four intellectual property laws and places emphasis on technology cooperation, the creation of quality employment and the development of domestic production and infrastructure while safeguarding investors’ interests in accordance with its policies.

The President said Myanmar would support Malaysian investment projects and give priority to increasing bilateral trade and investment.

He described the dialogue as not merely a platform for exchanging opportunities but also as a platform for initiating practical economic cooperation between the two countries.

By combining Myanmar’s natural and human resources with Malaysia’s technology, investment and market linkages, the two countries could establish a long-term cooperation chain from trade to investment, from investment to value-added production, and from value-added production to regional market connectivity.

He called on Malaysian businesspeople to view Myanmar not merely as a market but as a partner for production, value-added manufacturing and regional supply-chain connectivity, and invited them to pursue long-term mutually beneficial cooperation.

During the dialogue, Malaysian businesspeople also discussed their country’s development and experience in international port operations, logistics and transportation, integrated agriculture including palm oil and coconut cultivation, energy and technology, steel and mineral production, and construction.

They also presented strategic economic perspectives on international and regional developments, requirements for aligning government policies and implementation standards to facilitate comprehensive economic cooperation with Myanmar, and practical recommendations and opportunities for increasing investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In response, the President said the opportunities and prospects for strengthening investment and economic cooperation between Myanmar and Malaysia had already been highlighted in his opening remarks. He welcomed the broad-ranging discussions and recommendations put forward by Malaysian businesspeople.

He said political and security stability was necessary for economic development and that Myanmar was continuing efforts towards political stability. He also said investment was protected by laws and invited Malaysian businesses to invest in Myanmar with confidence.