The prime minister said the two elements must be given the highest priority in running the organisation as it is the key to success in today’s intensely competitive economic environment.

“Every year, a number of international organisations such as the World Bank, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Swiss Institute of Management Development publish global competitiveness reports, in which they compare the ability of nations to compete in the international market.

“I am proud to say that all these three organisations have issued reports showing that the efforts that we have been making to improve our competitiveness have been effective,” he said at the Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri (AKI) 2014 here, today.

He said all these improvements would not have been possible without the initiatives undertaken through the government transformation programme (GTP) and the economic transformation programme (ETP), along with the public and private sector collaboration through the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah).

“Malaysia’s rise in terms of global competitiveness is a very welcome news. But other nations, too, are seeking to move up the ranks,” he added.

The prime minister also encouraged local companies to take full advantage of the manifold opportunities of the ASEAN market, which just waiting to be realised.

“We live in a regional market of 620 million people - a total that is far bigger than the European Union, for instance.

“Embrace the challenge of moving beyond our national boundaries, and I assure you that the government will give you every support as you seek to build and expand in our vibrant, growing region,” he said.

Despite continued challenging global economic environment this year, Najib remains optimistic that Malaysia could record a steady economy growth of between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent, riding on the country’s strong fundamentals and cooperation from the local business community.

Meanwhile, Najib said the AKI awards reflected the joint purpose of the government and the sector to ensure that Malaysia would continue to take a prominent role in the global economy.

“The achievements of those honoured tonight represent the ambitions and aspirations of not just the stakeholders, but also all Malaysians,” he added.

The AKI series, which began in 1991, was introduced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the aim of recognising Malaysian companies with outstanding performances and encouraging companies to continuously improve the quality of their products and services.

Over the years, the awards have gained a reputation of being the nation’s premier corporate recognition programme.

Among the winners at the AKI 2014 awards are Sunway Integrated Properties Sdn Bhd, which bags the Prime Minister’s Award, Petzl Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Most Promising Award), and PHN Industry Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing Sector Award - Category 1).

Present were Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and his deputies, Datuk Hamim Samuri and Datuk Lee Chee Leong.