Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR.MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : TIMOR LESTE
Tarikh/Date : 23/10/2003
Tajuk/Title : TIMOR LESTE-MALAYSIA
BUSINESS DIALOGUE
Versi : ENGLISH
Penyampai : PM
It has been almost one and a half years since
Timor Leste gained her independence in May 2002 and the
Government is committed to the process of
reconstruction and nation building. We are also pleased
to note that you have your own Vision 2020 to guide you
through this process of nation building.
2. Timor Leste has made considerable progress in
planning, capacity building, and putting in place the
necessary institutions and structures. The Government's
Road Map, incorporating the priorities of law and
order, justice, the legitimisation of local
authorities, employment creation, and service delivery
for poverty reduction in health, education and
agriculture are all clear indications of this
Government's commitment to the well being of the
citizens.
3. Malaysia is a firm believer in the ability of
countries to be self-reliant, but we also understand that
the process can be facilitated with continued support and
encouragement from nations with similar experience that
have the desire to do so. In this regard, Malaysia is
committed to working with Timor Leste in its process of
reconstruction. We were here when you were in the process
of establishing your country and we will continue to
cooperate and collaborate in your economic development
endeavours.
4. An important aspect of nation building is the
development of human resources. The Malaysian
Government places high emphasis on human resource
development. More than 26 per cent of our annual
budget is allocated for education. The acquisition of
technological skills and knowledge has assisted in
accelerating Malaysia's economic growth and the
expansion of manufacturing activities of world
standards. Malaysia is ready to share our experience
with Timor Leste in areas where we have developed
expertise.
5. In this regard I am happy to note that 124
officials from Timor Leste have undergone training in
areas such as administration, investment, diplomacy at
the Public Administration Institute (INTAN) and
Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations. We have
also provided training to 29 youths from Timor Leste in
a range of areas including building technology, fabric
technology, printing, automotive, furniture
manufacturing and electrical services.
6. While the Malaysian Government does its part in
collaborating with Timor Leste, our private sector has
also been encouraged to invest here. As a matter of
fact, in 2002, Malaysia ranked as the second largest
investor in this country. There are to date, more than
90 Malaysian companies investing in your country, in
areas such as hotel and restaurants; consultancy and
accountancy services; information technology; legal aid
services; transportation and mechanical services;
shipping services; energy; commerce and general trading
activities.
7. Malaysia notes with interest efforts undertaken by
the Timor Leste Government in attracting foreign
investments. Promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
has been an important strategy for generating and
sustaining the economic growth of Malaysia. In this
regard, we are happy to share with you our experience
in promoting FDIs. We note that Timor Leste is keen to
attract foreign participation in fisheries, oil and
gas, rebuilding its infrastructure such as ports and
roads, construction and civil engineering, light
manufacturing activities.
8. I would like to reiterate that while the
Government provides the framework for cooperation, it
is the private sector's active involvement that will
help realise the objective of enhanced economic
cooperation between both countries. The business
community should strive to optimise opportunities that
are made available, establish contacts and linkages as
well as collaboration with their counterparts for
mutual benefit. I hope the business community of both
countries will make use of our meeting here as
opportunities to establish business linkages for mutual
benefits in the future.
9. Understandably, trade between our two countries is
small. However, I am sure there is much we can do to
expand trade. In 2002, Malaysia's total trade with
Timor Leste amounted to US$0.39 million with exports
from Malaysia valued at US$0.31 million and imports
from Timor Leste totaling US$80,000. Malaysia's exports
to Timor Leste comprise electronic devises,
telecommunication equipment, parts and accessories and
beverages. The potential to increase our bilateral
trade is good, given our close links and economic
complementarities associated with our level of
development.
10. As Timor Leste rebuilds its economy, the business
communities of both countries will find greater
opportunities to enhance trade flows.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. Malaysia considers the private sector as a partner
in our economic development. This is encapsulated in
the Malaysia Incorporated policy that we put in place
in 1983. The Government facilitates the efforts of the
private sector by putting in place the necessary
policies, incentive schemes, infrastructure and
framework to provide a conducive and pro-business
environment for the private sector to operate in.
12. I hope our presence here will encourage an
exchange of ideas and establish collaboration and
networking among the business community of both
countries.
13. Finally, I would like to express my sincere
appreciation to the Government and people of the Timor
Leste for the very warm welcome and hospitality
extended to us.
Sumber : Pejabat Perdana Menteri
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