Malaysia, Maldives To Expand Partnership - Malaysian Second Finance Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Maldives plan to expand their partnership through exchange programmes and study visits, Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said. Malaysia is willing to share its expertise and experience with other countries, including the Maldives, especially in areas that would lead to shared global prosperity, he said in a statement Wednesday. Ahmad Husni Tuesday received Maldives' Finance and Treasury Minister Abdulla Jihad who is on a visit to Malaysia. On Islamic finance, Ahmad Husni said its growth should be encouraged with the creation of many Islamic financial centres to strengthen its role. Meanwhile, Abdulla said Maldives would like to expand its ancillary services and is keen to emulate Malaysia's experience. "Islamic finance has tremendous potential and this is one of our ambition when we launched strategic plans for the Maldives Islamic Finance Centre," he added. Malaysia is the leading proponent, with 57 per cent market share of the global sukuk outstanding as at 2015. Abdulla said Malaysia is seen as a role model due to its achievements in terms of shifting its economy from agricultural-based to manufacturing and now services. He also commended Malaysia's achievements in infrastructure, Islamic finance and educational development. -- BERNAMA