BETTER EXPORTS IN 4TH QUARTER, SAYS MATRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's export performance in the
fourth quarter is likely to be better than that of the third quarter due to the
pick up in external demand in October and November in view of the festive
celebrations.

"There is definitely going to be an increase in exports but at what rate, we
cannot tell because of uncertainties of the western markets," said Malaysia
External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer
Noharuddin Nordin.

Speaking to reporters after a media luncheon, he said Matrade figures
indicate that exports had fallen by one per cent in the second-quarter before
rising one per cent in the third-quarter.

Exports in September stood at RM50.47 billion (US$1=RM3.13) and was expected
to be definitely stronger in October.

Total exports between January and September expanded 20.4 per cent to
RM474.59 billion and for this year, he said, International Trade and Industry
Minister Mustapa Mohamed had estimated an 18 per cent growth in
exports.

However, the same cannot be said for next year as recovery in the United
States was unstable together with its high unemployment rate and the propensity
for them to save.

While in Europe, Noharuddin said there was still uncertainty over its
economies, with the debt issues pounding on Ireland, Spain and Portugal.

For the period January to September, exports to the United States accounted
for 9.7 per cent of Malaysia's total exports while that to the European Union
stood at 10.7 per cent.

-- BERNAMA