Japan Urged To Invest In Asean's Non Manufacturing Sector

Japan's private sector has been urged to invest in Asean's non-manufacturing sector, considering the huge potential the sector offers, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.Currently, Japanese investments in the non-manufacturing sector are few and small."Individually, Asean member states are taking unilateral initiatives to liberalise their services sector. So, I see a huge potential for doing business in this sector and I hope Japanese companies will give this matter greater attention," Mustapa said.He was speaking at a networking dinner between Asean Economic Ministers, Japanese trade officials and Malaysian private sector representatives, here Friday.Mustapa said trade and investments between Asean and Japan were poised for continuous growth.Total trade between the two states increased by 37.9 per cent to US$221.8 billion in 2010 from US$160.4 billion the previous year.