The rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) shows the government's approach towards attracting foreign investment is right, says Najib Abdul Razak.

The prime minister said he has always stressed the importance of governance and closer bilateral relations between Malaysia and its trading partners.

"Between 2009 and 2015, FDI was growing at 22 percent annually.

This is one of the signs that the approach taken by the government is right and gives foreign investors the confidence to continue to invest in Malaysia," Najib said in the latest entry in his blog www.najibrazak.com last night.

Najib also declared his visits to the United Kingdom (UK) and Russia a success, boosting investors' confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment destination.

"Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I am confident my working visits to the UK and Russia have enhanced relations among our governments and boosted investors' confidence in Malaysia as an attractive investment destination full of potential," he said.

Najib's visit to the UK beginning on May 15 was, among others, to attend the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) annual meeting and to launch the Malaysia-UK Investor Showcase.

He later attended the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit in Sochi, Russia on May 19-20.

While in London, Najib attended several meetings and sessions with fund managers and industry leaders with whom he shared the latest developments and prospects for growth and development in Malaysia.    

The prime minister also expressed satisfaction with the continued commitment shown by many UK companies at the Malaysia-UK Investor Showcase to investing in new projects and expanding existing businesses.

In Sochi, he said Malaysia would also explore the possibility of holding negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

- Bernama