Malaysia seeks Kuwait's support to boost trade with gulf countries

Malaysia is seeking support from Kuwait to further enhance trade activities between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Malaysia, as well as other ASEAN countries.

Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement here on Thursday that looking at the robust economic development taking place in the region, it would be timely for GCC investors to tap into the vast opportunities both Malaysia and the region had to offer.

Kuwait Oil and Information Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdulla Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman in Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal administration center on Thursday.

"The ASEAN economy is expanding. I hope Kuwait, who is the current chairman of the GCC, would be able to help promote more investments from the Middle East into the region," Anifah said.

On Malaysia-Kuwait trade relationship, Anifah felt that there was still room for improvements.

Trade value between Malaysia and Kuwait was estimated to be around 400 million U.S. dollars in 2009.

Anifah also hoped that the Kuwait government would provide opportunities for Malaysian contractors to participate in construction projects there.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait minister said that the Kuwait government was keen to work more closely with Malaysia in promoting activities related to Islamic culture and arts.

Source: Xinhua