MALAYSIA RECORDS TRADE SURPLUS FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

KUANTAN (Malaysia), Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been able to record a trade surplus for 13 consecutive years since 1997, said International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir.

He said in the first six-months of the year, Malaysia's total trade rose
28.9 per cent to RM569.3 billion (US$1=RM3.08).

Exports was 26.1 per cent higher at RM315.8 billion between January and June
while imports rose 32.5 per cent to RM253.5 billion during the same period.

Speaking to reporters here Wednesday after a dialogue session with exporters
and entreprenuers, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation (Matrade), he described the growth as encouraging and a strong
indication that the economy was well on the road to recovery.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz urged companies operating in Pahang to register with
Matrade in order to penetrate overseas markets.

"These companies should seize the opportunity to improve their export
quality in order to compete globally," he added.

Todate, only 154 or 1.1 per cent of the 16,352 companies operating in Pahang
were registered with Matrade.

-- BERNAMA