MITI MINISTER IN DUBAI FOR TWO-DAY VISIT, TO OPEN MSE 2010

From Farazira Amira Yusof

DUBAI, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies will showcase their
world-class capabilities in the services sector at an exposition in the United
Arab Emirates in efforts to enhance trade and investment linkages with the
oil-rich kingdom.

International Trade and Industry Minister (MITI), Mustapa Mohamed, who
will lead the Malaysian delegation to the third Malaysia Services Exhibition
(MSE 2010), arrived today for a two-day visit to Dubai, famed for its shopping
malls and traditional souks.

Mustapa, together with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Sheikha Lubna
Al-Qasimi, are scheduled to officiate the opening of MSE 2010 which will be held
at the Dubai International Convention Centre here from Apr 13-15.

The MSE 2010, which will highlight Malaysia’s excellence and capabilities in
green technology, is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp.

During the three-day event, the visitors will be able to get a closer look
at the world-class capabilities of Malaysian companies specialising in eight
service clusters, including professional services, oil and gas, information
communication technology, healthcare, franchising, education and specialised
training, and financial services.

The expo has attracted 180 exhibitors comprising 150 Malaysian services
suppliers and 30 agencies and associations.

Mustapa is also scheduled to hold talks with Sheikha Lubna to further
enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries.

He will also have a roundtable meeting with prominent UAE corporate leaders.

In 2009, UAE was Malaysia’s largest trading partner in West Asia.

The UAE, despite having less than five million people, absorbed 43.31 per
cent of Malaysia’s exports to the Gulf region, making it the largest export
market for Malaysia in West Asia with exports amounting to US$2.85 billion
(US$1= RM3.15).

Major exports to the UAE include jewellery, electrical and electronics
products, wood products, and palm oil and machinery, appliances and parts.

Malaysia’s trade with UAE was valued at US$4.95 billion, or 42.08 per cent
of the country's trade with the West Asian countries.

–- BERNAMA