Oleh/By  	:	DATO SERI DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue	:	MUNICH, GERMANY
Tarikh/Date	:	18-03-2002
Tajuk/Title 	:	THE OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED BY 
			H.E. DR EDMUND STOIBER MINISTER 
			PRESIDENT OF BAVARIA
Versi 		:	ENGLISH
Penyampai	:	PM
		    

        On behalf of my wife, my delegation and on my own
   behalf,  I wish to thank Your Excellency and the  State
   of  Bavaria  for  this sumptuous dinner  and  the  warm
   hospitality  accorded to us.  I am indeed happy  to  be
   here  more so as I had to postpone my earlier trip  due
   to the tragic events of September 11.
   
   2.      We are experiencing at first hand the wonderful
   charm  and  hospitality that Bavarians are famous  for.
   Munich  is a beautiful city which has managed to  blend
   history and tradition with its modern status as the hi-
   tech centre of Germany.
   
   3.      I have brought a large delegation with me, both
   from  the  Government and the private  sector,  because
   there is much to learn form Bavaria.  The fact is  that
   over  a  relatively short period of time,  Bavaria  has
   transformed  from an agricultural economy to  the  most
   dynamic and modern industrial state in Germany.
   
   4.    Today  Bavaria is still known for its picturesque
   mountains and rolling farmlands, its cuckoo clocks  and
   the  October Fest.  But Bavaria is today also the  most
   prosperous state in Germany.  Bavaria accounts  for  32
   percent  of  the  total German GDP  and  is  the  ninth
   largest economy in the E.U.  Your Excellency, I am told
   that  under your stewardship, Bavaria has continued  to
   grow   in  importance.   Your  encouragement   to   new
   industries  particularly in the IT sector has  resulted
   in  the  growth of a vibrant IT industry.   Apart  from
   world  class companies such as Siemens, BMW,  Infineon,
   Wacker  and  many  others which  are  headquartered  in
   Munich,  the  policies  of  your  Government  and  your
   foresight have resulted in the establishment of a  host
   of  very  efficiently  run, innovative  and  profitable
   SMEs.  These SMEs, or `mittel stand' as I believe  they
   are  called  in German, now constitute the backbone  of
   Bavaria's prosperity.
   
   5.      I  congratulate the State of  Bavaria  for  its
   success.
   
   
   
   6.      I  have  brought with me a number  of  business
   leaders  from Malaysia.  I hope that in the short  time
   that  we  have in Munich there can be some  interaction
   between them and Bavarian business leaders which  could
   lead to business and investments in Malaysia.
   
   7.      There is much that Malaysia can offer investors
   from Bavaria.  While we are open to all value added and
   hi-tech ventures, we are particularly interested in ICT
   and the multimedia.
   
   8.      In fact Malaysia is already quite well known to
   many  investors from Bavaria.  I can assume  that  they
   feel  Malaysia offers a profitable and safe  place  for
   their  investments.  We would like to assure  you  that
   Malaysia  will continue to be a safe and  stable  place
   for your investments.
   
   9.      My  delegation and I have had a most  enjoyable
   and  fruitful stay in Munich.  I personally have learnt
   much  from  my short stay here after  discussions  with
   the business community and briefings by your officials.
   
   10.     Once  again,  I  wish  to  express  my  deepest
   appreciation  to Your Excellency and to  the  State  of
   Bavaria for the warm hospitality.

   Sumber : Pejabat Perdana Menteri