NAJIB WANTS CECA WITH INDIA SIGNED IN NOVEMBER

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak wants the
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between Malaysia and India
to be signed in November.

He said the talks, which have been going on for five rounds, needed to be
completed before the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to
Malaysia in November.

"I want to propose a more pragmatic approach in discussions. We need to
focus on what is doable and what can be achievable.

"The negotiations should not be a zero sum game but rather it should lead to
a win-win situation for both sides," he said in a speech at the Malaysia-India
Seminar here Thursday.

Besides CECA, both governments were also working on a Framework for
Strategic Partnership to boost bilateral relations to a higher level, said
the Malaysian prime minister.

"This is an overarching agreement to oversee bilateral relations on various
fronts, including economic, security and people-to-people engagements," he
added.

"I am deeply committed as much as Manmohan. We are both committed to bring
this relationship to greater heights.

"It is possible for us to achieve equitable outcome. Let us attempt to
conclude the negotiation," he said adding that the signing of CECA will be the
highlight of Manmohan's visit this year.

Meanwhile, Najib announced the establishment of the Malaysia-India CEO Forum
comprising captains of industry from both countries to serve as an advisory body
in efforts to accelerate and deepen bilateral economic relations.

India is Malaysia's 12th largest trading partner and 11th largest export
destination while Malaysia is India's 13th largest export destination.

In 2009, total trade amounted to US$7.1 billion compared with US$10.5
billion in 2008.

"For the first five months this year, our total bilateral trade grew over 11
per cent year-on-year basis. I believe we can get our trade performance back up
to 2008 levels," Najib said.

He said the chambers in India could play a key role in sharing the
views of their member entrepreneurs and captains of industry on what needs to be
done by the Malaysian government to attract investments.

"I would reiterate that Malaysia is very much open for business. We will
therefore do what is necessary for Indian business to increasingly view Malaysia
as a strategic commercial destination; a destination that can play a key role in
their business' onward growth and expansion," he added.

The prime minister also said the cooperation between the two should not
limit to regional economic integration but also towards ensuring the effective
conclusion of negotiations towards a rules-based multilateral trading system
under the World Trade Organisation.

He said such regional and multilateral economic integration would only make
sense if it benefits the people and domestic economy, improves quality of life
and eliminates poverty.
-- BERNAMA