ID :
194491
Tue, 07/12/2011 - 11:28
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/194491
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PM NAJIB'S UK VISIT TO STEER KL-LONDON TIES TO NEW HEIGHTS
From Abdul Muin Majid
LONDON, July 12 (Bernama) -- The official visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to the United Kingdom beginning Tuesday is an opportunity for both sides to take stock of the current state of bilateral ties with an eye towards steering them to new heights.
Describing Kuala Lumpur-London ties as substantial and multi-faceted, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Zakaria Sulong hoped the visit would translate into more British investments into Malaysia and widen the scope of bilateral linkages.
"Despite the challenging economic situation, we do hope that British investors will consider expanding existing investments in Malaysia.
"And, if they can bring in new investments, that's even better," he told Malaysian journalists covering Najib's visit ahead of the arrival of the prime minister in London later Tuesday.
The envoy noted that besides enhancing linkages in trade and investment, as well as, education and other sectors, the two countries should consider joining hands in the area of, for example, green technology and renewable energy.
Najib has a packed programme in London which includes a meeting with his British counterpart, David Cameron, at No.10 Downing Street.
Zakaria said:"They may use the opportunity to review the state of
bilateral affairs. It just cannot be taken for granted that relations will just develop.
"It has got to be nurtured and probably it's time for them to look at it and review how we can bring relations to new heights, a different level altogether."
The envoy noted that Malaysia's position as a strategic investment
destination, being at the doorstep of the Asean market of more than 500 million people, needed to be continuously highlighted among British investors.
"We may feel that we're strategic but other people may view our neighbours as more strategic. So, I think we've to work doubly hard to get people to realise that coming to Malaysia is good for their business in the long-run," Zakaria said.
Citing official data, Zakaria said Malaysia attracted investments valued at US$113 million from the UK in 2010, compared with US$95.26 million, recorded in 2009.
Trade volume between the two countries stood at RM13.03 billion in 2010, with Malaysian exports valued at RM7.197 billion and imports at RM5.835 billion. (US$1=RM3.00)
The high commissioner said Malaysian investments in the UK was also on the increase, including, in the lucrative London property sector.
Touching on Malaysia's bid to forge a free trade agreement with the
European Union, Zakaria said the UK could well assist Kuala Lumpur in
facilitating negotiations with the EU.
He said Najib and Cameron may also talk about the role of the Commonwealth in uplifting the economy of member states.
"Najib may brief his counterpart on the outcome of the Langkawi
International Dialogue, held in Putrajaya recently, during which participating developing countries had articulated their aspirations," Zakaria said.
The Malaysian leader is likely to expand further on his call for a global movement of moderates to audiences in London, he added.
Najib will be accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor, and a number of ministers during the UK trip that will see the signing of various
memorandums of understandings and agreements aimed at further enhancing ties between Kuala Lumpur and London.
LONDON, July 12 (Bernama) -- The official visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to the United Kingdom beginning Tuesday is an opportunity for both sides to take stock of the current state of bilateral ties with an eye towards steering them to new heights.
Describing Kuala Lumpur-London ties as substantial and multi-faceted, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Zakaria Sulong hoped the visit would translate into more British investments into Malaysia and widen the scope of bilateral linkages.
"Despite the challenging economic situation, we do hope that British investors will consider expanding existing investments in Malaysia.
"And, if they can bring in new investments, that's even better," he told Malaysian journalists covering Najib's visit ahead of the arrival of the prime minister in London later Tuesday.
The envoy noted that besides enhancing linkages in trade and investment, as well as, education and other sectors, the two countries should consider joining hands in the area of, for example, green technology and renewable energy.
Najib has a packed programme in London which includes a meeting with his British counterpart, David Cameron, at No.10 Downing Street.
Zakaria said:"They may use the opportunity to review the state of
bilateral affairs. It just cannot be taken for granted that relations will just develop.
"It has got to be nurtured and probably it's time for them to look at it and review how we can bring relations to new heights, a different level altogether."
The envoy noted that Malaysia's position as a strategic investment
destination, being at the doorstep of the Asean market of more than 500 million people, needed to be continuously highlighted among British investors.
"We may feel that we're strategic but other people may view our neighbours as more strategic. So, I think we've to work doubly hard to get people to realise that coming to Malaysia is good for their business in the long-run," Zakaria said.
Citing official data, Zakaria said Malaysia attracted investments valued at US$113 million from the UK in 2010, compared with US$95.26 million, recorded in 2009.
Trade volume between the two countries stood at RM13.03 billion in 2010, with Malaysian exports valued at RM7.197 billion and imports at RM5.835 billion. (US$1=RM3.00)
The high commissioner said Malaysian investments in the UK was also on the increase, including, in the lucrative London property sector.
Touching on Malaysia's bid to forge a free trade agreement with the
European Union, Zakaria said the UK could well assist Kuala Lumpur in
facilitating negotiations with the EU.
He said Najib and Cameron may also talk about the role of the Commonwealth in uplifting the economy of member states.
"Najib may brief his counterpart on the outcome of the Langkawi
International Dialogue, held in Putrajaya recently, during which participating developing countries had articulated their aspirations," Zakaria said.
The Malaysian leader is likely to expand further on his call for a global movement of moderates to audiences in London, he added.
Najib will be accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor, and a number of ministers during the UK trip that will see the signing of various
memorandums of understandings and agreements aimed at further enhancing ties between Kuala Lumpur and London.
