M'sia Has Edge To Be Gateway For Turkey To Enter Asean Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the edge to be the gateway for Turkey to penetrate the Asean market, mainly selling consumer products, machinery and building materials, a senior official of the Turkish Embassy here said Tuesday. Hasan Onal, the commercial counsellor, said the strategic location of Turkey and Malaysia provides ample apportunities for both countriess to be the base for their respective regions. "While Malaysia has commercial and economic agreements with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Turkey too has agreements with the 27-member European Union, Mediterranean, Middle East and Balkan countries. "Turkey is also negotiating bilateral and regional free trade agreements with key trading partners," he told a media briefing. In efforts to boost Turkey-Malaysia business ties, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Third Turkish Exhibition here from March 1 to 3. The exhibition, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), is expected to generate over 1,000 business match-making sessions. About 30,000 visitors are expected to visit the four-day exhibition. Onal said chemicals, industrial products, cosmetics, gifts, souvenirs and decorative items would also be showcased at the event. He said the exhibition would surely help strengthen the current bilateral trade between the two countries, which is in Malaysia's favour. Last year, Turkey's exports to Malaysia totalled US$183 million while its imports from Malaysia amounted to US$1.568 billion. "This is a must-visit exhibition for investors looking for new businesses in the Turkish market," Onal said. Seventy Turkey-based companies, 80 per cent small and medium enterprises, will part take in the exhibition. It is opened to the public from 10am till 8pm during the four days. -- BERNAMA