MALAYSIA'S ASSET IN TAPPING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OVERSEAS, SAYS MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia can use its multi-racial cultural
and social connections as an asset for economic relationships and developments,
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Dr Koh Tsu Koon,
said Monday.

Koh said the diversity of religions and cultures in the context of a largely
peaceful and harmonious social environment has been perceived and promoted as a
major asset rather than a liability.

He said the three main races comprising Malays, Chinese and Indians in
Malaysia could play their roles to explore business opportunities in the
overseas market.

Explaining further, Koh said the Chinese community in Malaysia has been
encouraged to use their linguistic capability and cutural affiliations to help
the country in gaining access to China's huge market.

Malay and Muslim businessmen and professionals have been exploring economic
collaborations and other potential ventures with Islamic countries while Indian
Malaysians could work on relationships with India and the global Indian
diaspora, he said.

"There are many Malaysians overseas, either studying, working or residing,
and they have expertise and experience," Koh told reporters after officiating
the World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF) held here.

"They can work together among themselves and also network with the Muslim,
Chinese and Indian diaspora in their respective countries to bring development
to Malaysia," he said.

According to Koh, it is vital for Malaysia to embrace China and India as
strategic partners in Asia.

"I believe that the 21st century will develop into an Asian century with
China and India playing key and significant roles in shaping the future of
Asia," he said.

Koh said the inaugural WCEF was timely as it came right after the historic
visit by China's President Hu Jintao to Malaysia and the fruitful conclusion of
the Apec meetings in Singapore.

The forum with the theme, "Building Business Linkages, Charting New
Frontiers", will present new perspectives and creative strategies to harness the
potential of China as a rising economic powerhouse.

It also aimed harness the network of Chinese communities throughout the
world, commonly known as the Chinese diaspora, to explore, exploit and enhance
economic potential for the benefit of all nations.

The WCEF is jointly organised by Country Heights Holdings Bhd, Easy Pha-max
and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli).

Malaysia-China bilateral trade exceeded US$53.4 billion last year, meeting
the US$50.0 billion target for 2010 two years ahead of schedule.

-- BERNAMA