M'SIA READY TO SIGN JDC WITH EFTA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to sign the joint
declaration on economic cooperation (JDC) with the European Free Trade
Association (EFTA),the Minister of International Trade and Industry,
Mustapa Mohamed announced Tuesday.

The ETA comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

"We are pleased to announce that all outstanding matters have been resolved
and the JDC is ready for signing," he said.

The JDC, he explained, establishes a platform for the exchange of views and
implementation of cooperation programmes to raise the level of trade between
the countries concerned.

"Thus, we hope all stakeholders will help us make this platform a success,"
he said in his opening speech at the Norway Business Seminar here.

Mustapa's speech was delivered by his Deputy, Mukhriz Tun Mahathir.

He also said Malaysia's central location within Asean and the Asean Free
Trade Area (AFTA), offers endless opportunities for investors.

"We believe there is only an upside to this relationship, as Malaysia's
advantage will grow, with the increasing pace of economic liberalisation in
Asia," he added.

He said the Asean-China Free Trade Area, which was fully implemented
recently and with the Asean Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India, Australia
and New Zealand having come into effect, it opens up market access to three
billion consumers.

"Malaysia is a key Asean member and one of the strongest proponents of
growing trade liberalisation between Asean and our top dialogue partners.

"Therefore,we urge Norwegian investors to take advantage of Malaysia in
setting up their regional operations and headquarters' here," he stated.

Last year, Norwegian companies invested in 26 projects in Malaysia with a
total value of US$186.9 million.

--BERNAMA