Oleh/By : DATO SERI DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : TRIPOLI, LIBYA
Tarikh/Date : 19-04-2002
Tajuk/Title : THE DINNER WITH THE
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Versi : ENGLISH
Penyampai : PM
I am most delighted to be here today to be with
the business people of Libya. We are here today to
share with you the investment and business
collaboration that the business communities of Malaysia
and Libya can explore and forge.
2. The Malaysian economy is private-sector driven.
The Government facilitates by putting in place the
necessary policies, structures and framework to provide
a conducive and pro-business environment to ensure that
the private sector remains as the main engine of
growth. The Malaysia-Incorporated Policy adopted more
than a decade ago has worked very well for Malaysia.
Collaborative partnership between the government and
the private sector provides the necessary impetus for
the continued development of the key sectors of the
economy. Such a collaborative effort contributes an
effective partnership in national development, that is
mutually beneficial to both the public and the private
sectors.
3. Malaysia has achieved a high level of economic
growth, averaging more than 8% per annum over the
period 1988-1997, prior to the East Asian financial
crisis. While Malaysia experienced an economic
contraction in 1998 of 7.4% due to the impact of the
crisis, its economy has however recovered quickly to
register growth of 6.1% in 1999 and 8.3% in 2000. The
global economic slowdown in 2001 had affected
Malaysia's economic growth and during the year the
country registered a real GDP growth of only 0.4%.
With the upturn of the global economy this year, the
GDP growth for 2002 is forecast at 3.5%.
4. Malaysia is a model of a modern, tolerant, secure
and progressive Muslim country, despite some negative
Western reports, particularly in the aftermath of the
September 11 tragedy in the US. It is a multi-racial,
multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual
country. All races in the country live in harmony and
Malaysia draws its strength from its multi-ethnic
diversity. Political stability, racial harmony and the
progressive minds of its people are instrumental in the
growth of the economy. From a nation heavily dependent
on primary commodities some forty over years ago, the
country is now diversified with a broad economic base.
We are the 18th largest trading nation in the world of
which over 80% of exports comprise manufactured
products.
5. Malaysia has trade links with more than 170
countries. It is the desire of the Malaysian
businessmen to establish stronger linkages with their
counterparts in Libya. Currently, bilateral trade
between our countries is small. In 2001, our bilateral
trade amounted to only US$5.2 million of which
Malaysia's exports to Libya stood at US$3.9 million
while imports totalled US$1.3 million. Efforts must
be intensified by both our business communities to
enhance the trade flows.
6. Malaysian manufacturers can supply a wide range of
industrial and consumer products to Libya. Products
that Malaysian manufacturers can supply to cater for
Libya's requirement at competitive price include
electrical and electronics parts and components,
computer software and hardware, halal food and
beverages, rubber products, palm oil products,
furniture, and timber products. In the area of
services, Malaysian companies are ready to offer their
expertise and experience in healthcare, construction
services and infrastructure development.
7. The participation of Malaysia External Trade
Development Corporation (MATRADE) in the 30th Tripoli
International Fair from 2-12 April 2002 is among the
efforts undertaken by Malaysia to enhance trade
linkages with Libya. Similarly we look forward to
increased participation by Libyan businessmen in trade
fairs and exhibitions held in Malaysia.
8. We noted the efforts by the Government of Libya in
attracting foreign investments into the country,
particularly following the suspension of the UN
Sanctions on Libya in 1999. As Malaysia has been
successful in attracting sizeable foreign investments
over the years, we would be delighted to share with
your country our experience in this field. We would
also like to partake in your investment drive through
joint ventures and collaboration. Malaysian companies
have ventured overseas in many fields including
manufacturing, construction of highways, ports and
airports, infrastructure development such as power
generation, telecommunications and water treatment
projects.
9. Promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) remains
an important strategy for generating and sustaining
Malaysia's economic growth. In 2001, Malaysia
attracted FDI of US$4.8 billion in the manufacturing
sector. The investments were mainly in technology
intensive projects, in sectors in which Malaysia has
developed strong competitive edge, and has evolved into
a viable and competitive manufacturing and export base.
Malaysia remains a competitive and viable investment
location. The Government is committed and continues to
improve upon policies which have proven attractive to
investors, particularly fiscal and non-fiscal
incentives, as well as strengthening the institutional,
administrative and infrastructural support to both
trade and industry.
10. Libyan businessmen should also avail themselves of
the opportunities to invest in Malaysia, particularly
in the manufacturing sector, where a wide range of
activities have been identified for promotion. They can
be considered for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
11. Although Malaysia is relatively a small country
with a population of only around 24 million, it is
nevertheless a gateway to the more than 530 million
ASEAN market, which is now in the final year of
evolution into the ASEAN Free Trade Area or AFTA.
Libyan business community should use Malaysia as their
springboard into the ASEAN market, using Malaysia's
strong trade linkages with the ASEAN member countries.
Malaysia has a good track record as a manufacturing and
export base for both the regional and global markets.
Malaysia also serves as a location for regional
operation of many large corporations.
12. The Government of both countries have laid down
frameworks for closer economic cooperation. We have
concluded the Bilateral Trade Agreement; the Economic,
Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement and the
Cultural and Scientific Cooperation Agreement. While
the Government provides the framework, it is the
private sector's active involvement that will help
realise the objective of an enhanced economic relations
between both countries. Opportunities accorded to the
businessmen should be optimised, to establish contacts
and linkages with their Libyan counterparts in
discussing business collaborations for mutual benefits.
13. Finally, on behalf of the Government, the people
of Malaysia and the Malaysian business delegation
members with me here, I would like to express my
sincere appreciation to the Government of the Great
Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the very
warm welcome and hospitality extended to my delegation
and I.
Sumber : Pejabat Perdana Menteri
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