NAJIB ON TRACK FOR VISION 2020, MALAYSIAN ENVOY TELLS AUSSIES

By Neville DCruz

ADELAIDE, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Since Najib Razak assumed the prime
ministership, there is a mood of optimism that Malaysia will achieve Vision 2020 to
turn the country into a developed, high-income economy in 10 years.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia Salman Ahmad said Saturday such
optimism was based on Malaysia's positive economic figures.

He said that overall, the Malaysian economy had turned around and recovered from
the implications of the global economic crisis.

Under Najib's stewardship, he said, the government recently announced a
strategic framework to drive the change to make the transformation into a new
economic model for the nation to achieve the Vision 2020 target.

"The goals are to make Malaysia a high-income nation which is inclusive and
sustainable. These mean that we are targeting to achieve US$15,000 per capita
income in 10 years from US$7,000, to ensure no one is left out and pursue
economic growth with preservation of the environment and natural resources and a
better quality of life," he added.

Salman was speaking at the Merdeka anniversary gala dinner organised by the
Australia Malaysia Business Council, South Australian chapter and attended by
about 260 people.

On the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, he said they
were making good progress.

"The conclusion of the FTA would bolster the already strong trade and investment
relationship," he said, adding that Malaysia was going well investing in
Australia.

Salman said, while Petronas was the biggest investor with (Australian)Santos Ltd
on a pipeline project, some Malaysian companies had also invested in real estate
and retailing businesses.

"Bilateral relations are perhaps the best they have ever been. There are good
vibes from leaders of both sides.

"Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd and Prime Minister Najib met and
talked on the telephone several times last year, on various issues.

"When Prime Minister Julia Gillard assumed office about two months ago, the two
leaders spoke on the telephone," he said.
-- BERNAMA