Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will help enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness by promoting high-value manufacturing through business and investor-friendly policies, according to economists.
Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff of the Putra Business School said that the 13MP, scheduled to be presented to the Parliament on July 31, will serve as a strategic roadmap for the country's economy during the 2026–2030 period. It aims to position Malaysia as a regional leader by taking advantage of its existing strengths, particularly in manufacturing and semiconductors.
The plan will seek to boost the semiconductor value chain and enhance regional resilience, while ensuring sustainability and inclusiveness. To this end, Malaysia will accelerate automation, introduce incentives for technology development, and promote the transition toward a high-skilled workforce.
In terms of digitalisation, it is expected to support the development of infrastructure, establish a robust digital ecosystem, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection.
Meanwhile, Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the 13MP should prioritise creating and enabling an environment for free markets to thrive and for private enterprises to innovate, compete, and prosper.
He noted that Malaysia is expected to transition into a high-income nation, as defined by the World Bank, during the 13MP period from 2026 to 2030.
The economist emphasised that one of the key drivers of this transition is the ongoing expansion of high-value and advanced manufacturing and service sectors./.
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