Explore African Markets, Malaysian Companies Told

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is urging Malaysian companies to explore African markets, especially Senegal and Gambia, which offered huge untapped opportunities. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Susila Devi said currently, both Senegal and Gambia, were looking at Malaysian talents to develop their infrastructure. "They are interested in our expertise in the areas of airports and ports construction; information and communications technology, as well as, in medical sectors. "We are talking about opportunities in trade, investment and business here," she told reporters after attending a trade talk on 'Doing Business in West Africa (Senegal and Gambia)' here Wednesday. Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said on Tuesday that Malaysia would look for new markets this year and they would include African countries. "We are trying to see what more can be done to increase trade with African countries," the minister was quoted as saying when launching the ministry's 2015 report. Malaysia's total trade with Africa rose 2.5 per cent to US$7.44 billion (RM30.10 billion) in 2015 from US$7.25 billion (RM29.35 billion) recorded in the previous year due to higher exports of palm oil and petroleum products. Susila said other African countries like Tanzania and Namibia also offered huge potential for Malaysian companies. MATRADE, the national trade promotion agency would help local companies penetrate the African markets but they need to identify which market they were interested in as the African continent comprised 54 countries, she said. Meanwhile, Senegal Ambassador to Malaysia Adrienne Diop said there were vast opportunities for Malaysian companies to explore the African continent especially in agriculture, tourism and fisheries sectors. "We (Senegal) are looking forward to share our wealth in resources with the Malaysian investors," she said. Wednesday's event was aimed at enhancing Malaysian exporters' knowledge on business opportunities in West Africa through successful stories shared by their counterparts in the region. The programme, jointly organised by MATRADE and Malaysian-African Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association, was held in conjunction with MATRADE's week-long trade mission to Senegal and Gambia beginning July 26. --BERNAMA