ID :
110652
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 17:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/110652
The shortlink copeid
MALAYSIA, NORWAY DISCUSS POSSIBILITY OF JOINT DECLARATION FOR FTA
KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Norway are discussing the possibility of having a joint declaration for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both countries, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Trond Giske, said Monday.
"We are discussing the possibility. There are still small details to be
resolved with Malaysia and after that we are ready to start the FTA talks, he
told Malaysian journalists here Monday.
Giske is a member of the delegation accompanying Crown Prince Haakon Magnus
and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.
The Norwegian minister said he had meet Deputy International Trade and
Industry Minister, Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, to discuss the matter.
"I look forward to it because in countries where we have established the
FTAs, both exports and imports increase drastically," he said.
He said last year, Malaysian imports from Norway were worth RM600 million
(US$1=RM3.4), while Malaysian exports to Norway were valued at RM1.2 billion.
"We hope to have the joint declaration soon and we are positive on the FTA
talks and hope to increase bilateral trade with the establishment of the FTA,"
he said.
The royal couple was accompanied by 45-member delegation which included
Deputy Foreign Minister Erik Lahnstein, Deputy Fisheries and Coastal Affairs
Minister Vidar Ulriksen and Deputy Petroleum and Energy Minister Robin Martin
Kass.
Some 140 leaders from about 90 companies also joined the largest-ever
business delegation, which seeks to establish joint-ventures and do business in
the country.
Prince Haakon said Norway looked forward to expand relationships between
both countries in the areas of oil and gas, telecommunications, construction,
seafood as well as paint industry.
"We bring many delegations here. We believe that there are many areas that
can be further deepened in terms of cooperation and relationship from various
sectors," he said.
The royal couple, which arrived Sunday, was greeted by Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor Monday morning
at Perdana Square in Putrajaya.
"We are discussing the possibility. There are still small details to be
resolved with Malaysia and after that we are ready to start the FTA talks, he
told Malaysian journalists here Monday.
Giske is a member of the delegation accompanying Crown Prince Haakon Magnus
and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.
The Norwegian minister said he had meet Deputy International Trade and
Industry Minister, Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, to discuss the matter.
"I look forward to it because in countries where we have established the
FTAs, both exports and imports increase drastically," he said.
He said last year, Malaysian imports from Norway were worth RM600 million
(US$1=RM3.4), while Malaysian exports to Norway were valued at RM1.2 billion.
"We hope to have the joint declaration soon and we are positive on the FTA
talks and hope to increase bilateral trade with the establishment of the FTA,"
he said.
The royal couple was accompanied by 45-member delegation which included
Deputy Foreign Minister Erik Lahnstein, Deputy Fisheries and Coastal Affairs
Minister Vidar Ulriksen and Deputy Petroleum and Energy Minister Robin Martin
Kass.
Some 140 leaders from about 90 companies also joined the largest-ever
business delegation, which seeks to establish joint-ventures and do business in
the country.
Prince Haakon said Norway looked forward to expand relationships between
both countries in the areas of oil and gas, telecommunications, construction,
seafood as well as paint industry.
"We bring many delegations here. We believe that there are many areas that
can be further deepened in terms of cooperation and relationship from various
sectors," he said.
The royal couple, which arrived Sunday, was greeted by Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor Monday morning
at Perdana Square in Putrajaya.
