GERMANY-MALAYSIA TRADE TO INCREASE 5 PER CENT, SAYS ENVOY

By P. Santhia Thevi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Germany expects its trade with Malaysia
to increase by five per cent with more interest in the renewable energy and
green technology industries.

"We expect a steady growth in trade and investment between Malaysia and
Germany. In December 2009, we already saw activities picking up," German
ambassador to Malaysia Dr Gunter Gruber told Bernama on the sidelines of the
German Centre launch here Thursday.

"We foresee more business activities taking place in green technology and
renewable energy industryies as the interest among industry players is
increasing," he said.

The German Centre is an investment by the Malaysian-German Chamber of
Commerce and Industry to create a physical starting base in Malaysia, especially
for small and medium-sized companies.

The centre provides professional, flexible and cost-effective fully
furnished office solutions.

Gruber said Malaysia was focusing on addressing the need for renewable
energy and adopting green technology, and therefore there was room for further
collaboration.

"Malaysia needs to enhance these industries to be in tandem with the rapid
growing global development," he said.

"Moreover, being the world leader in application, innovation and research in
these industries, it is an added advantage (for Germany) to foster greater
business relationship by investing in the Malaysian market," he added.

Germany and Malaysia registered a total trade volume of 7.2 billion euro
last year, down from 8.4 billion euro in 2008, with trade from Malaysia to
Germany at four billion euro.

Gruber said the electric equipment and automotive sectors were among the
major contributor to last year's trade.

He called on Malaysian companies to penetrate the German market further as
many industries and opportunities were available with Germany being the gateway
to Europe.

-- BERNAMA