FTA ASEAN-CHINA WILL BRING MORE TANGIBLE BENEFITS - DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is
confident that the realisation of the Free Trade Area (FTA) between ASEAN and
China will bring about more tangible benefits to the people of the countries.

He said, the acceleration of cooperation between ASEAN and China has helped
improve the socio-economic development and prosperity for both sides.

"Through functional cooperation, we can further deepen our understanding
and trust which are essential elements for the maintenance of peace and
stability in the region.

"Therefore, I am encouraged to note the rapid growth of economic relations
between ASEAN and China, especially after the signing of the Framework Agreement
on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (CEC) which provides for the establishment
of an ASEAN-China Free Trade Area," he said at a dinner in conjunction with the
4th ASEAN-China People-To-People Friendship Organisation Conference, here
Thursday.

The Asean-China FTA comprises Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and China, while Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to join
by 2015.

Nevertheless, the achievement of these objectives would not be possible
without the exchange of ideas, opinions and people between the two sides, said
Muhyiddin, thus acknowledging the role assumed by the ASEAN and China Friendship
Organization in promoting friendly relations and developing mutually beneficial
cooperation.

"And I can assure you all that the Government of Malaysia will continue to
attach high priority and provide strong support to such endeavours," he added.

On bilateral relations, Muhyiddin said, in order to strengthen the country's
relation with China, past accomplishments must not be taken for granted as the
region and the world are constantly changing with new opportunities and
challenges.

"Instead, government officials, private sector and non-governmental
organizations should work hand-in-hand to expand existing cooperation. This
requires some well-thought out plans and long-term vision," he said.

Muhyiddin said, the complementary factors of ASEAN countries and China have
provided Malaysia a strong basis for cooperation advancement in areas such as
science and technology, agriculture, infrastructure building, investment and
energy.

Hence with the commitment and support from all levels of community, Malaysia
would be able to move strategic partnership with China, forward, he said.
-- BERNAMA