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Simeon Mitropolitski

Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.

He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.

In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.

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10 June 2005

Malaysia welcomes silver-haired investors

© 2005, IRED.Com, Inc., Simeon Mitropolitski

Malaysia is a middle-size country in Southeast Asia in terms of territory and population. It's also middle-ranked in terms of economic and social development compared to other nations from that region. It doesn't fall either into the first group of Asian economic tigers or into the group of last arrivers. Located strategically in close proximity to key regional markets and being opened to small foreign investors with special programs, Malaysia is well placed for further economic achievements.

Unlike the first group of Asian economic tigers Malaysia hasn't reached the club of most developed countries in the world. Its per capita GDP is still closer to that of countries like Brazil and Mexico. On the other hand, it has gone much further than many other nations from Southeast Asia, where the majority still lives in pre-industrial conditions. Malaysian population as a whole has already undergone the first waves of modernization. This has been done in relative political and social stability given the past volatility of the region. Thus the problems this country will face immediately in the future won't resemble those of Indonesia or India.

Malaysia offers interesting investment program for foreigners that are 50-years-old or older. The program is called "Malaysia - My Second Home" or "Silver Hair" and is intended to attract persons from the Baby boom generation, both Westerners and Asians, although the program isn't limited to any nation or group of nations in particular, the only exception being the citizens of Israel. The applicants should provide proof of personal savings starting at $27,000 or monthly revenues starting at $2,000. Additional service fees of approximately $3,750 covering the costs of sponsorship are required. Investors are allowed to buy properties priced from certain level up with some exceptions regarding the area and the type of buildings. The properties shouldn't be resold during the first three years after transaction.

It seems that even without the governmental restrictions regarding the price of property to be bought by foreigners, the available properties with necessary amenities start at substantially higher price levels. Western-looking houses and apartments start at $60-70,000. Many go easily above the $100,000 mark. The rentals are around $1,000-1,200 per month. Higher degree of health risks in some regions should be considered before making any investment decision.

Country profile:
  • Area: 329,750 sq km
  • Coastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)
  • Population: 23.9 million (July 2005 est.)
  • Population growth rate: 1.8% (2005 est.)
  • Life expectancy at birth: 72.24 years
  • Total fertility rate: 3.07 children born/woman (2005 est.)
  • Major infectious diseases: high degree of risk
  • GDP per capita: purchasing power parity $9,700 (2004 est.)
  • GDP real growth rate: 7.1% (2004 est.)
  • Oil exports: 230,200 bbl/day (2003)
  • Main Trading partners: U.S., Japan, Singapore, and China.
  • Internet users: 8.7 million (2003)
(Source: CIA - World Factbook 2005)

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See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Malaysia.

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