MSIA-IRAQ TRADE TO INCREASE 20 PCT THIS YR

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Trade between Malaysia and Iraq, which
amounted to US$211.04 million last year, will likely increase 20 percent this
year as consumer demand for Malaysian products increase with the security
situation improving in the war-torn country.

Many Iraqis who stayed overseas were returning home and wanted more products
and services as the security in Iraq returns to normal, said Dzulkifli Mahmud,
the director, West Asia/Africa section, international network and trade
promotion at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

"This is where Malaysian companies can take advantage of by offering their
products and services," he told reporters after a roundtable session with
officials from Iraq's Al-Muthanna Investment Commission here Tuesday.

Rising demand for Malaysian products and services was reflected by the trade
volume between January and February this year rising to US$47.33 million versus
US$13.50 million in the same period last year.

Dzulkifli said that among Malaysian products having the potential in the
Iraqi market include furniture, food products, medical disposable items and
automotive parts.
-- BERNAMA