Government gives priority to OIC countries to expand trade to non-traditional marts

Bernama (26/6/08): The government always gives priority to Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) countries in its strategy to expand exports to non-traditional markets.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said Malaysia's trade with OIC countries has increased every year since 2003.

He said the amount in 2003 was RM46.1 billion, 2004 (RM61.6 billion), 2005 (RM70.1 billion), 2006 (RM83.8 billion) and 2007 (RM95.3 billion).

"Until April this year, trade with the grouping has touched RM36.1 billion," he said during the question-and-answer session of the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Liew said this in reply to a question from Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) regarding Malaysia's trade with OIC countries during the period when the country held the presidency of the organisation (2003-2008).

He said the government has set up branch offices of Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority in Dubai to tap the market and investment opportunities in the Middle East

"The government has also established bilateral ties with OIC members by signing various agreements, undertaking trade missions and investments in United Arab Emirates and promotional activities to strengthen trade with them," he said.