MALAYSIA'S HERITAGE CAN HELP ENHANCE COUNTRY' IMAGE - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's exports to Pakistan grew by
13.57 per cent to RM3.22 billion (U$1 = RM3.10) in the first half of this year
from RM2.84 billion in the same period last year.

In a statement here Tuesday, the Pakistan High Commission here said palm oil
and natural rubber were the largest contributors to the growth.

"Palm oil export grew by 22.59 per cent to RM2.41 billion from RM1.97
million in the same period last year and natural rubber export increased by 99.3
per cent to RM31.8 million from RM15.95 million previously," it said.

Its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Masood Khalid, said Pakistan's exports to
Malaysia recorded a healthy increase of 81 per cent to RM352 million from RM194
million in the same period last year.

"Rice and onion were the biggest contributors. Rice made up more than half
of the total exports, valued at RM188 million compared with RM46 million
last year," he said.

Masood said Pakistan's exports of fish, potatoes, woven fabric and synthetic
staple fibre and electric appliance of line telephone to Malaysia registered a
decline of 54.28 per cent, 11.23 per cent, 40.15 per cent and 59.9 per cent
respectively.

He said although the robust growth reflected the growing business between
both countries, the decline in some export items was a source of concern.

Masood urged Pakistan exporters to improve the efficiency of supply chain,
quality of products and make proactive efforts to forge partnership arrangements
with Malaysian importers.
-- BERNAMA