ID :
119978
Mon, 05/03/2010 - 13:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/119978
The shortlink copeid
BHUTAN KEEN ON TRADE TIES WITH MALAYSIA
By P. Vijian
THIMPHU, May 3 (Bernama) -- Bhutan and Malaysia could open up a new vista in
trade relations as the tiny Himalayan Kingdom has indicated its keenness to
begin two-way ties.
Bhutan Prime Minister Jigme Thinley has expressed interest to explore new
links with Kuala Lumpur, a move that could spur trade opportunities for both
economies.
"Malaysia is one of the countries high on the list for sometime with which
we want to enjoy close relations.
"There are certain commonalities. On the materialistic side we can learn
from Malaysia's experience," Thinley told Bernama in an interview in Thimphu.
Describing Malaysia as "a successful and proud nation", Thinley said there
were key areas where Bhutan, an agrarian economy, could tap into Malaysia's
expertise.
"We would like to look at the Malaysian technology in landfills (waste
management) and agricultural sector where Malaysia has done quite well.
"The highest level visit from Malaysia was when the then deputy prime
minister Musa Hitam visited Bhutan (in 1983). So we need to
upscale that (relations) and work on it," said Thinley.
Bhutan is part of the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) -- a burgeoning market of 1.5 billion people.
In the South Asian region, it remains a small economy with gross domestic
product (GDP) valued at US$1.28 billion (RM4.48 billion) -- an economy propelled
largely by tourism, exports of seasonal agriculture produces and minerals.
The land-locked Himalayan kingdom is home to a population of 690,000 people.
-- BERNAMA