EU RENEWS CALL FOR 1.15 MIL EUROS FOR SERVICE SECTOR, OUTREACH PROGRAMME

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The European Union (EU) via its
executive arm, European Commission, has renewed its call for 1.15 million euro
for the service sector and EU outreach programme.

The European Commission said the allocation was aimed at deepening
EU-Malaysia economic cooperation and to enhance understanding of the important
relations between EU-Malaysia and EU-Southeast Asia.

It said two lots were granted for services sector dialogue and business
corporations and EU outreach and visibility.

Lot 1 aims to boost trade and investment cooperation between EU and
Malaysia in the service sector.

It aims to support mutual areas of interests with regard to greater openness
in EU-Malaysia trade and services.

To hold dialogues on developing services sector and to ensure contacts in
targeted sectors like small and medium enterprises are maximised.

Lot 2 aims to increase awareness and understanding of EU and key policies,
decision-makers, private sector, media, non-governmental organisations,
academics, other interest groups and to increase cooperation and policy dialogue
in higher education.

Vincent Piket, Ambassador and Head of delegation of the European Commission
Delegation to Malaysia, said: :Cooperation with Malaysia is key to us and as a
middle-income country, the EU recognises its evaluation to further develop its
economy in key areas.

"Our grant is targeted at the service sector as it is an important element
for the local economy. Moreover, there is increased focus on the evolution
of the Malaysian services due to the sector's liberalisation," he added.
-- BERNAMA