GCC COUNTRIES WELCOME FTA MOVE FROM MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries have welcome Malaysia's proposal to start negotiations for a Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) with the region this year, said Minister of International
Trade and Industry Muhyiddin Yassin.

The proposal has been well received as it is expected to boost trade between
Malaysia and the GCC countries, he told reporters during a special briefing on
the FTA to Members of Parliament here Wednesday.

The GCC member countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emirates.

Muhyiddin said Malaysia was also committed to continuing and finalising FTA
negotiations with other countries as well in the time frame agreed upon.

"I wish to stress here that in any FTA involving Malaysia, whether it has
been signed or still at the negotiation stage, the country's interest will be of
utmost priority," he said.

The ministry will continue to look for FTA partners who would be able to
bring economic benefits to the country especially in dealing with the rising
challenges brought on by globalisation and the increasing competition, he added.
-- BERNAMA