ID :
185846
Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:57
Auther :

TIME TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA - MATRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's trade with Africa may have
increased six folds over the past 10 years, but it has remained relatively
untapped.

Hence, there is potential to further expand business relations, says
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Deputy Chief Executive
Officer Kamarudin Hassan.

He said Malaysia's trade with Africa had been growing at an average annual
rate of 22.3 per cent from US$1.13 billion in 2001 to US$7.76 billion last year,
but the country's total trade to Africa constituted only about 2.1 per cent of
the total trade US$112.64 billion that Malaysia did globally in 2010.

"The African market presents not only opportunities for the big corporations
but also small and medium enterprises as it is a growing emerging market with
demand for raw materials as well as consumer products," he told a media briefing
here Wednesday on the Malaysia-Africa Business Forum (MABF).

The MABF, an event under the Langkawi International Dialogue 2011
initiative, will be held on June 18 at the Putrajaya International Convention
Centre.

Themed "Exploring New Dimensions", this forum will focus on the importance
of enhancing economic and business relations between Malaysia and Africa, given
the changing socio-economic landscape.

"At the forum, participants will gain insights into the business environment
in Africa, hear about the growing trade prospects available and ways to
revitalise business opportunities in both Malaysia and Africa," said Kamarudin.

He said the forum provides a platform for the business communities of both
countries to network, and both parties can then leverage on MATRADE's offices in
Africa to finalise business agreements.

The MABF will feature international speakers who will share first-hand
knowledge on the various aspects of economic exchanges between Malaysia and
Africa.

Interested participants can register at www.matrade.gov.my before
June 10.


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