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From rising job creation to stronger trade ties, Malaysia’s second quarter report card signals steady progress in competitiveness, digital investment, and economic resilience.
Malaysia's recent improvement in the IMD 2025 World Competitiveness Rankings, marks its best performance since 2020, according to Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Presenting the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry's Second Quarter 2025 Performance Report Card on 15 July, Minister Zafrul credited the improvement to ongoing reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and raising productivity. “These are the results of our industrious efforts,” he later said in a Facebook post.
Under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the manufacturing sector continues to show positive momentum:
- Value-added contribution to GDP increased by 4.1% to RM95.7bn in the first half of the year.
- The sector now supports 2.87mn employees, with 50,000 new jobs created under NIMP.
- Median monthly salaries have risen by 5.4% to RM2,745.
Across the wider economy, digital investments have reached RM310.7bn so far. This has generated over 92,000 job opportunities.
Malaysia’s trade performance has also held steady. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, the country is on track to achieve its full-year trade growth target of 4% to 5%. Bank Negara Malaysia projects 5% growth, while the Ministry of Finance forecasts 3.9%. Tengku Zafrul noted that recent performance is “still within expectations,” as reported by Bernama.
In June, Malaysia has signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Trade with EFTA countries is now projected to reach RM14.4bn.
Looking to the United States, MITI is working to finalise a tariff agreement before the 1 August deadline set by the US administration. Tengku Zafrul said the discussions involve both tariff and non-tariff matters, including strategic areas such as equity restrictions in certain sectors.
Meanwhile, trade and investment missions held to date have identified RM25.6bn in potential investments and RM30.8bn in potential exports.
In a Facebook post sharing the Q2 report card, MITI noted: “This achievement opens up more opportunities for high-skilled jobs, better earnings, and a new market for local businesses.”
ALSO READ: Malaysia climbs 11 spots in World Competitiveness Ranking, placing 23rd in 2025
Lead image / MITI Facebook
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