Malaysia’s bioeconomy push sees major FDI impact

In Malaysia, the New Straits Times reports that foreign direct investment made up two-thirds of the $1.8 billion in investment in the country’s bioeconomy between 2012 and 2017. Of those projects that come under the Bioeconomy Community Development Program, 40 have been implemented as of last month including 33 biomass power plants producing 26.4GW. This additional energy capacity is said to have helped provide energy access to rural areas. The government sees the bioeconomy policy as a way to attract investment to rural areas where communities can also benefit.