MALAYSIAN CONSUL-GENERAL IN MUMBAI UPBEAT ABOUT INDIA-MALAYSIA RELATIONS

By Manik Mehta

MUMBAI, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian consul-general in Mumbai is upbeat
about bilateral relations between India and Malaysia.

Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, who has been the first consul-general of Malaysia
since over three and a half years and oversees a consular jurisdiction that
encompasses the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Goa, believes that trade and business have unleashed dynamics that are
propelling bilateral relations to greater heights of mutually beneficial
cooperation.

"I am very upbeat about India-Malaysia relations which are on the right
track and headed towards greater cooperation that will benefit both sides," he
said in an interview with Bernama at the Malaysian consulate-general here.

However, as Wan Zaidi points out, his office is, basically, concerned with
relations between his jurisdiction in Western India and Malaysia. Mumbai, the
capital city of Maharashtra state, is India's pulsating economic heart-beat,
accounting for a large part of India's economic activity, including exports.

Revenue generated from this state, according to Indian sources, is amongst
the highest in India. Most Malaysian businessmen arriving in India, invariably,
make a stopover in Mumbai.

"Mumbai is a lively city, day and night. Besides business, Mumbai offers
unlimited opportunities for recreation and entertainment. The Malaysian business
community is concentrated in Maharashtra but some Malaysians also live in Goa
and Gujarat. Interest in India is increasing among Malaysian businesses. In
2007, we had only one or two companies in Mumbai but now we have, at least, 10
companies that have set up offices here," Wan Zaidi pointed out.

But compared to other countries, the Malaysian community here is relatively
small. The official count -- that is, Malaysians officially registered with the
consulate -- is 250 in the consulate's jurisdiction, mostly in Mumbai.

However, the number of Malaysian students is around 4,000 in various parts
of India.

When any Malaysian first arrives in Mumbai, his biggest challenge is to find
housing premises. This was also the case with Wan Zaidi who had the additional
task of finding suitable premises to set up the consulate-general's office.

"When we first arrived in January 2007, property prices were at the peak. It
was a seller's market. The economic meltdown did make a little correction but
property prices are rising once again. It took us seven months to find the
present premises (of the consulate general) which we have rented," Wan Zaidi
explained.

The most important part of his work is to oversee relations between Western
India and Malaysia.

However, Wan Zaidi and his staff also help in promoting economic and
business ties with India, besides providing consular services.

"Our focus is on non-political cooperation and on economic ties. Trade
promotion is a vital part of our work."

The 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' theme is appreciated in India because it also
portrays Indian culture as part of Malaysia's cultural diversity.

Wan Zaidi also believes that Malaysians are generally drawn to Bollywood
films which prepare them for life in India.
-- BERNAMA