GUINEA CAN LEARN MORE FROM MALAYSIA THAN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

By Noor Soraya Mohd Jamal

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) - Guinea can relate and learn more from
Malaysia than European countries as both countries shared many similarities.

A delegate from Guinea, Ismail Nabe, who represented the country's private
sector, said it makes more sense to collaborate with Malaysia as the gap between
Guinea and developed European countries were too wide.

Most European countries were fully developed decades ago, he told
Bernama on the sidelines of the Ninth Langkawi International Dialogue (LID).

Ismail said this was why a platform, such as the LID, was very important as
collaboration among countries could achieve win-win situations.

"My country is almost similar to Malaysia. We achieved independence almost
at the same time as Malaysia and we also have the same climate. So whatever
works in Malaysia will definitely work for Guinea.

"In addition, 85 per cent of our population are Muslims. As an Islamic
country we share a common culture," he said, adding that the this year's LID
focus on technology, smart partnership and social development could be
capitalised by Guinea.

Ismail also said Guinea welcomed Malaysian investors to explore several
areas of the country.

"We're looking for investors from Malaysia to invest in Guinea and
vice-versa. We want to work closely with Malaysian partners to enhance this
collaboration.

"Now, that the election is over, we're looking for investments in
infrastructure development as well as in food, agriculture and mining
industries," Ismail said.

Guinea has abundant natural resources, including over 25 per cent of the
world's known bauxite reserves besides other metals such as alumina, diamond and
gold.