LOCAL WORKS OF ART CAN CONTRIBUTE TO NATION'S ECONOMY, SAYS DEPUTY MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The works of local artists have tremendous
potential to be developed into an industry that can contribute to the country's
economic growth in the future, says Deputy International Trade and Industry
Minister Mukhriz Mahathir.

Paintings carry very high value and could bring in good returns when
exported overseas, he said.

"We are trying to consider if the field of arts could be seen as another
small and medium sized industry (SMI) to enable the government help local
artists to further expand their talents to the international level," he told the
media during a visit Wednesday by art collectors in conjunction with the "Art
Expo Malaysia 2009" which will be held here from Thursday till November 23.

"This is because this SMI also involves an export market where the works of
arts can bring in huge returns. It can therefore help to contribute towards the
country's economic growth," Mukhriz said.

He said various programmes could be put in place to help promote local
paintings at international levels.

"In MITI itself, we invite local artists to participate in investment and
trade missions to exhibit their works. For example, during the trade mission to
Dubai in March, several paintings were bought by the locals there," he said.

Mukhriz said local works have also received good response from other
countries like the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

"We have talented artists and we should help them," he reiterated.
-- BERNAMA