The impact of regional integration is already being felt here in Malaysia, with Bandar Malaysia as a focal point for development.

Iskandar Waterfront Holdings executive vice chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo said, "It is the vision of the shareholders that Bandar Malaysia will serve as the terminus, not just for the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore High Speed Rail, but also for the future Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok High Speed Rail, which will ultimately link to Kunming, China."

"Bandar Malaysia will be the most well connected city in Malaysia and indeed the world. This will be 'the' address to have," Lim added.

China Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang commented that Bandar Malaysia is playing a critical role in accelerating Malaysia's economic development and Vision 2020, serving as the catalyst of Greater Kuala Lumpur's transformation.

With the guidance of China's 'Belt and Road' initiative and 'Production Capacity Cooperation', more Chinese companies view Malaysia as one of the best destinations to invest, as well as one of the most important partners to do business with in South East Asia.

Despite the world's economic difficulties and uncertainties for the time being, the Chinese government has strong confidence in the economic strength of its own, but also in the resilience of Malaysia's economy.

"I am deeply convinced that with the concerted efforts from both sides, China and Malaysia will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of business societies, our countries and our people," Huang said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak commented, "The Ministry of Finance in particular is proud to partner with CREC (China Railway Engineering Corporation), a major international developer that is also a Chinese state-owned company."

"This commitment by CREC is as a clear endorsement by China of its continued confidence in the strength and resilience of the Malaysian economy, which continues to register healthy growth, and is predicted to do so by leading organisations such as the OECD over the coming years."

Najib added that in terms of connectivity, sustainability and liveability, Bandar Malaysia will be unbeatable as a destination for multinational corporations to set up or to relocate their regional headquarters.

This will bring in international professionals and make it attractive for qualified locals, who may otherwise decide to work abroad, to stay.

He added that the Government has agreed to consider granting tax incentives to top high-ranked global companies and financial institutions.

It is considering other measures such as an industrial building allowance, accelerated capital allowance, deduction of rental payments, stamp duty exemption for service agreement or prepackage incentives to other investors and tourism operators.
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Najib concluded, "I believe it will become known regionally and beyond as a symbol of Malaysia's continued success as a progressive, multi-ethnic country that remains a shining example of how to develop sustainably, inclusively and harmoniously, cooperating with friends near and far, and ready to face the challenges of the 21st Century gladly, and with an open heart."

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