KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) — The country’s total trade is projected to grow by seven to eight per cent this year, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
From January to November 2011, Malaysia’s total trade amounted to RM1.16 trillion with exports at RM633.81 billion and imports at RM521.81 billion, according to official trade statistics.
He said despite the more challenging situation in the world economy this year, Malaysia could still do well with the government’s Entry Point Projects under the Economic Transformation Programme.
“What is important is to realise that Malaysia is not immune to the challenges in the global arena,” he said during a Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) programme with entrepreneurs and exporters today.
He said while Malaysia was able to turn in an acceptable trade performance last year, exports will eventually be affected if the long-awaited global economic recovery does not unfold quickly.
Mustapa stressed that the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s objective is to help improve market access for Malaysia’s products and services overseas.
“We will increase participation in promotion activities, especially in fast-growing markets like China and India and collaborate with big buyers to help exporters integrate their global supply chain,” he said.
MATRADE Strategic Planning Division senior director Susila Devi said the corporation will continue with its promotional activities this year.
“Efforts put in place in 2011 will be continued to enable Malaysian companies to bid for projects in Qatar in preparation for the World Cup 2022,” she said during her presentation on “Partnering with MATRADE: Global Market Opportunities 2012.”
She said MATRADE will also organise 121 trade promotion activities this year, including international trade fairs, specialised marketing missions, trade and investment missions as well as incoming buying missions.
Source:mysinchew.com (17th Jan 2012)
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