KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is India's gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond, leveraging on the strong links between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said since 1998, India has been Malaysia's largest export destination in the South Asian region and over the last decade trade has increased by more than four-fold.
"India is currently Malaysia's 10th largest trading partner, our seventh largest export destination and our 11th largest source of imports,"he said in his keynote address at the Economic Times Asian Business Leaders' Conclave here today.
He said India was also currently Malaysia's 20th largest investor, with total investment worth US$2.31 billion (US$1 = RM4.08).
"On the other hand, Malaysia is ranked 21st largest foreign investor in India and second largest from ASEAN,"he said.
He said the strategic partnership established between the two countries in October 2010 has built upon the traditionally close relationship and taken it to the next level by infusing it with even greater dynamism. "Malaysian entrepreneurs and companies are now engaged in taking advantage of the huge economic and investment