Malaysia is hopeful that the state visit by United States President Barack Obama will boost foreign investment inflows, especially from the US, to this country, Malaysia's special envoy to the US Jamaluddin Jarjis says.

Obama's presence in Malaysia would enhance investor confidence, particularly among American companies, that Malaysia provides a conducive environment for business against the backdrop of political stability, Jamaluddin said.

Another element that works in Malaysia's favour, he said, is the fact that Malaysia is relatively well protected from natural disasters.

"With the president coming to town, hopefully it'll draw more investments to our country and we can talk about new trade (activities) with America," Jamaluddin ( on the right )  told BernamaTV in a special interview ahead of Obama’s visit that begins tomorrow.

A former Malaysian envoy to the US and currently adviser in the Prime Minister's Department, Jamaluddin noted that increased investments would spell more job creations for the country.

He pointed out that Malaysia is keen on having more high-end jobs and it is important to ensure American high-technology industries continue to enhance their presence in this Southeast Asian nation.

First trip by US leader after 48 years

Obama is expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon for the visit to Malaysia, the first by a sitting US president in 48 years since President Lyndon B Johnson's trip back in 1966.

It is part of Obama's four-nation Asian tour that also includes Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

His tentative itinerary includes holding a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and attending a state banquet hosted in his honour by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Also in the programme is a visit to the National Mosque and Islamic Arts Museum, as well as engaging with young Southeast Asian leaders in a town hall-style session at Universiti Malaya.

Jamaluddin also said that Kuala Lumpur may also take the opportunity to highlight its stand over the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) trade talks.

"We may be able to address some of the challenges in the TPPA negotiations," he said, adding that the trade agreement with 11 other Pacific Rim countries would potentially benefit Malaysia.

Jamaluddin believes the TPPA could eventually benefit the country's economy and provide sustainable high incomes for the rural communities.

RM808 billion exports in 10 years

According to data from the International Trade and Industry Ministry, Malaysia's exports to the US for 2003-2013 totalled US$247.5 billion (RM 808.7 billion) while imports amounted to US$173.3 (RM566.25) billion.

Trade officials said this attested to the competitiveness of Malaysian exporters and the overall importance of the US market.

Other data indicated that between 2003 and 2013, Americans invested more than US$13 (RM42.477) billion in Malaysia.

Jamaluddin also expressed high hopes for the success of Obama's visit in terms of enhancing trade and investment linkages between Kuala Lumpur and Washington.

"The issue has to be economy, economy and economy as from that, jobs can be created for young people, more investment brought into this country and we can export more products to America. And, most importantly, all this will help sustain our economy," he added.

- Bernama