FORMER MINISTER TAKES ON NEW ROLE IN TACKLING GLOBAL TRADE ISSUES

By Salbiah Said

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama)— Known as the 'Iron Lady' for her no-nonsense
approach in tackling multilateral trade negotiations, former Minister of
International Trade and Industry (MITI), Rafidah Aziz, has still the
drive and passion to take on global trade issues.

At 66, Rafidah has not called it quits, especially when it comes to playing
the role of "Malaysian Ambassador" in dealing with issues close to
her heart.

She is now the patron and advisor of the Malaysia-Europe Forum (MEF),
launched by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on Nov 12.

Her new position in the MEF, will see Rafidah playing an active role in
fostering greater understanding between Malaysia and the European Union (EU).

Rafidah, currently the Member of Parliament for Kuala Kangsar, had been
Malaysia’s longest serving Minister of Trade and Industry, holding the position
from 1987 to 2008.

She knows her trade like few others and Rafidah's knowledge of complex rules
on international trade is remarkable.

Unlike her aggressive stance at tough trade negotiations during her
tenure as MITI minister, the current approach would be in synch with the MEF’s
motto, 'Building Bridges Through Dialogue', when undertaking various events both
in Europe and in Malaysia.

The brainchild of Millicent Danker, who is also a member of its board of
trustees, the MEF was mooted to promote international confidence in Malaysia,
and intends to shed clarity on Malaysia’s economic and social policies to
support worthy causes that benefit the country.

"When we attend roundtable forums in Europe, we can explain issues raised
on Malaysia. We can also help by providing feedback to the government," Rafidah
told Bernama recently.

"We are entering big markets like the EU, which sets very high standards for
products and services. It is important for our companies to fully subscribe to
these standards, failing which, there will be a ban on our products," she said.

The MEF serves as a vehicle to organise high-level forums, dialogues and
networking sessions, in both Europe and Malaysia.

Among its key objectives are, to ensure Malaysia has continued access to the
expanding EU market; support and complement the government’s efforts to
facilitate inbound business, trade and investment; enhance Malaysia’s
international reputation; and expand Malaysia’s economic outreach in Europe.

"It was set up by a group of Malaysians and Europeans who believe there is
value in forging strong relationships between Malaysia and Europe, outside of
the government sphere," said Rafidah.

She said events were being planned for 2010, and includes a series of
roundtables in London and the EU capitals.

So far, several events have been organised successfully in London and
Brussels. These include the Annual Emerging Markets Summit inaugurated in August
2008 in London and the Spring Roundtable Series, launched in Brussels in April
this year.

Malaysia and the EU have a continuing dialogue which focuses on a number of
issues, including, trade agreements, sustainable business, the green agenda,
governance and transparency, human rights, agricultural policies and
intellectual property rights.

These issues require continuing and sustained engagement and discourse in
order to find common ground and understanding, for mutual benefit.

"In this context, the MEF can provide an effective platform to assist the
government in addressing these issues, in an open and constructive manner.

"Certainly, while support from the private sector has been forthcoming, it
is hoped that the Malaysian government can support the MEF to undertake its
activities over the longer term.

"I hope that the Prime Minister will lend support to the MEF, in its
efforts to help strengthen economic ties between Malaysia and the EU," Rafidah
said.

"All these efforts will keep Malaysia’s flag flying high, and we will
ensure it goes even higher," she added.

-- BERNAMA