KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 — International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said there are 10 Japanese companies working on upcoming projects here valued at RM600 million.

Speaking after the launch of the Malaysia Nikkei Business Forum 2017, he said the projects ranged from electronics and machinery to chemicals.

"I can only say that there’s a strong flow of investment across a wide section such as the manufacturing sector, services and infrastructure. We have some projects-in-the-pipeline worth about RM600 million next year.

"I hope that some of these proposals will be realised,” said Mustapa adding that the proposals are being evaluated by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who launched the event, earlier recapped Malaysia and Japan’s trade ties.

He said Japan was Malaysia’s second largest foreign investor.

"Just within the first half of 2017, MIDA has approved a total of 16 manufacturing projects with Japanese participation worth RM559 million.

"It is notable that 75 per cent of these investments are for expansion and diversification projects by Japanese companies already operating in the country. These investments underscore their continued trust and confidence in Malaysia as a prime place to conduct business,” he said.

Later, Mustapa said he expected the TPP 11, which rose from the ashes of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, to be finalised in 2018.