STRENGTHENING RINGGIT WILL NOT AFFECT MALAYSIA'S COMPETITIVENESS, SAYS MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- The strengthening of the ringgit against
the U.S. dollar will not affect Malaysia's trade and economic competitiveness,
says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

He said the private sector, including the import and export segment, had
taken into account the fluctuations in the ringgit with regards to business.

"Our exporters have historically, never relied on the value of the ringgit
to ensure their competitiveness," he said, when asked about the strengthening
ringgit.

Nor Mohamed was speaking to reporters after officiating the second edition
of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor, "Growth Through Innovation", here
Monday.

At mid-day the ringgit was traded at 3.2150/2200 compared to last Friday's
closing of 3.1880/1920.

-- BERNAMA