Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak says he believes CIMB Group, the biggest Asia Pacific-based investment bank, can play an active role in the development of the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

He said CIMB is one of the greatest success stories in Malaysia's corporate history and also a significant employer in the country.

"I hope other Malaysian businesses will draw aspiration from CIMB's story, that they too will not settle for being a 'jaguh kampung', but aspire to become regional champions, carrying the flag into new markets.

"As a universal banking institution of integrity and repute, it provides stability for the nation and the region," he said at the launch of Menara CIMB, the regional banking group's new headquarters today, which also marks the bank's 40th anniversary.

Also present at the event were CIMB Group Chairman Nazir Razak, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Wahid Omar, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, and Chairman of CIMB Group's International Advisory Panel Musa Hitam.

Nazir said the new building marks a tremendous milestone for the group and also symbolises Asean economic integration.

"Beyond Malaysia, we are building an enviable record with our new platforms in Asean and beyond.

"Everywhere in Menara CIMB we are constantly reminded of the rich diversity of our region, which when properly nurtured can become very valuable," he said in his welcoming remarks.

    

Menara CIMB is a symbol of CIMB's sustained growth and its position as a forward-looking Asean company, he added.

    

CIMB, the fifth largest financial services group in Asean and Asia

Pacific's largest indigenous investment bank, is also a world leader in Islamic finance.

It has over 41,000 staff based in 18 countries and total assets

exceeding US$120 billion (RM407.46 billion).

- Bernama