DON'T RESORT TO PROTECTIONIST MEASURES, SAYS MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has cautioned World Trade
Organization (WTO) members not to resort to protectionist measures as it can
adversely impact the growth of global trade.

In making the call, Malaysia said countries should continue to adhere to
their commitments to WTO when introducing domestic measures to counter the
current economic and financial crisis.

"Malaysia remains non-protectionist despite the current global economic and
financial crisis," the Ministry of International Trade and Industry said in a
statement here Tuesday.

Stressing that the WTO remains important to Malaysia, MITI said the
country's commitment to multilateral trade negotiations was evident by its
active participation in the on-going Doha Round negotiations.

"The globalization process is becoming more complex as it evolves, and the
global community must manage this in a structured manner," Secretary-General of
the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Abdul Rahman Mamat,
was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The aim must be a transparent and predictable global trading environment as
there are benefits to be derived from this," said Abdul Rahman.

Abdul Rahman said WTO remains the most relevant institution
to date, as its members are obliged to abide by multilateral rules, it allows
for predictability and transparency and has an established mechanism for trade
disputes.

The WTO has also been instrumental in facilitating the integration of
developing countries into the global trading system.

By monitoring developments in the area of trade finance, WTO is able to
ensure that developing nations are able to access trade credit, such as export
credit, without any restrictions or curtailment.

The successful conclusion of the Doha Round would provide the much needed
boost for global growth and restore business confidence, Abdul Rahman added.

-- BERNAMA