KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — With business investment into Malaysia on the rise, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) expects to increase its cross-border loans by 30 per cent in the next two years.

This can be achieved as more companies have been using the services of its dedicated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory Unit, the first-of-its-kind in Malaysia.

The unit provides a one-stop solution to companies needing access to cross-border corporate banking, commercial banking and personal banking products and services, it said in a statement here today.

Within the first year of UOB Malaysia establishing its FDI Advisory Unit, the bank doubled its inbound cross-border loans to customers. This was done two years ahead of the bank’s target.

Customers can also benefit from tapping UOB’s strong network of strategic partners in the legal profession, audit services, business consultancy and key government agencies across the region.

According to its Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lam, Malaysia remained an attractive location for businesses expanding in Asia.

“Malaysia’s conducive business environment, lower labour and land costs are proving important pull factors for companies looking to seize growth opportunities outside their home base.

“In particular, we are seeing strong interest in expansion opportunities in the southern economic region and Greater Klang Valley,” he said.

Meanwhile, the increase in UOB Malaysia’s cross-border loans supports the growth of FDI into Malaysia.

In 2013, Malaysia attracted RM38.7 billion in FDI, a 24 per cent increase from 2012. — Bernama