KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz today said the government has formed a task force dedicated to enhancing Malaysia’s position in the International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking.

He said he will be co-chairing the task force with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to elevate Malaysia into the top 12 by 2033.

"We are aware that there are several areas in which we need to improve. Some of these are within our control and some are not, but it requires a whole-of-government approach because it revolves around everyone.

"All ministries must play their respective roles to improve our ranking,” he told reporters after announcing his ministry’s report card today.

He said that the task force would submit comprehensive plans to the Cabinet to enhance the nation’s competitiveness ranking, following discussions with the relevant agencies.

It was reported that Malaysia’s position dropped seven spots to 34th out of 67 countries in this year’s IWD ranking.