City profile

Capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has a GDP of approximately US$50bn and urban population of 6.8 million. The city's main industries include tourism, financial services, electronics, manufacturing and construction.

Kuala Lumpur performs consistently well across all categories of competitiveness.

The city has significantly improved in Urban Management and Governance in the past few years now with much more green space, high land efficiency, and ongoing improvements to climate action. Various city initiatives have contributed to this such as "Greening KL" and the "Kuala Lumpur Smart City Plan."

Kuala Lumpur's urban competitiveness is rising, now rating as a contender in three out of four categories. The city performs less well in Liveability and Loveability, challenged by key problems around urban mobility, vibrancy, work intensity and inclusivity. That said, the city has made great strides to improve in Urban Management and Governance in the past few years now with much more green space, better land use planning, and ongoing improvements to climate action. Various city initiatives have contributed to this such as "Greening KL" and the "Kuala Lumpur Smart City Plan." KL is also a strong contender for Investor Attractiveness. By leveraging on the nation's inherent assets, the city can become a beacon for green economy opportunities.

Insight

Over 30 countries across the globe have demonstrated that it is possible to decarbonise while growing economic prosperity. This is a critical focus areas for Malaysia, Arup developed the Clean Growth Handbook Malaysia with FCDO to uncover a range of opportunities and collaborations that can make green growth possible.
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