5 October 2008
Minister Crean to Pursue New Trade Opportunities in Malaysia
The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, will visit Malaysia from 6 – 8 October to attend the 14th Australia-Malaysia Joint Trade Committee meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Dato’ Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.
“This is my first visit to Malaysia as Minister for Trade. I am very keen to explore ways to expand trade and investment ties with Malaysia, which is Australia’s third largest trading partner in South East Asia,” Mr Crean said.
“I will also use this visit to lead a delegation of Australian businesspeople to Iskandar in the State of Johor. Iskandar is Malaysia’s largest regional development project offering opportunities for Australian business in logistics, financial services, engineering, security and other professional services.
“Members of the business delegation will also participate in aspects of my visit to Kuala Lumpur, including a Financial Services Roundtable that will explore opportunities to expand our financial services trade. Malaysian participants will include representatives of Malaysia’s largest banks, Bank Negara and the Securities Commission.
“Following the agreement by Prime Minister Rudd and Prime Minister Abdullah on 10 July to invigorate bilateral FTA discussions I will discuss the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Minister Muhyiddin.
“We also have some further work to finalise a few remaining issues arising from the recently concluded ASEAN-ANZ Free Trade Agreement.
“Reflecting our strong education links, with 19,000 Malaysian students enrolled in Australian education institutions, I will also give a lecture at Monash University’s Sunway Campus in Malaysia.
“I will also take the opportunity to open a new office of Australian company Talent2 highlighting Australia’s expertise in human resource services.”
Total two-way trade with Malaysia was $12.8 billion in 2007. Malaysia is a significant export market for Australian copper, aluminium, petroleum and agricultural products such as milk and cream, wheat and meat.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555