MAHATHIR MEETS MANMOHAN, ENERGISE OLD TIES

By P.Vijian

NEW DELHI, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad called on India, rising Asian economic powerhouse, to engage Southeast
Asian economies more and share its vast expertises with developing nations.

"India has not really made full attempt to interact with countries of
Southeast Asia. There is a great deal of potential. India has made great
progress in IT (information technology), for example, and this is much desired
by the countries in Southeast Asia.

"This is something that can be exported, not just the products but the
knowledge itself. There are lots of skilled people here who may find their
services appreciated in Southeast Asia," he told Bernama in Delhi.

While biting December winter enveloped Delhi, Dr Mahathir and Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh warmed up age-old ties over lunch at the latter's
residence, flanked by senior Indian ministers on Thursday.

After a hiatus of over 15 years, Dr Mahathir, along with his wife Dr
Siti Hasmah, is in India on a private visit.

Dr Mahathir, a well-respected Asian statesman in the region, especially
among Indian intellectuals, lauded the terrific economic progress made by India
-- transformed from a socialist market economy to a more open system.

"India is doing quite a good job. India is very open and more liberal now.
It is not that there is any obstruction but Southeast Asia is not promoting
itself in India. We are looking at other places," he added.

At the lunch table, Manmohan, an old friend of Dr Mahathir, had said he
would like more Malaysian companies to invest in the Indian economy, growing at
about 8.9 per cent.

"He (Manmohan) wants to see more Malaysian investments coming into India,
more investors and visitors. Our government should put in more effort to develop
not only tourism but also business between the two countries. I think there is
great scope," said Dr Mahathir.
-- BERNAMA


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