country profilecountry profile market opportunities report foreign agricultural service horticultural and tropical products division malaysia is the third wealthiest in southeast asia with a reported gdp per capita 1999 of us 10 700 has population around 22 2 million people about 61 percent its middle to upper income group consumers interestingly 36 are aged 15 years below which represents sizeable pool future who will be an important driver for increased consumption higher value foods unlike other large asian nations nationwide consumer base encompasses both urban rural areas malaysian economy firm foundation comprised strong manufacturing sectors like most countries it was adversely affected by regional economic downturn 1998 however despite some predictions that would not recover as quickly due government s capital control policies latest forecasts performance 2000 suggest upturn 5 8 figure kuala lumpur boasts tallest building world petronas towers trade exports oriented
