LOCAL COMPANIES URGES TO COSIDER FIJI'S STRATEGIC LOCATION
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian firms should take advantage of Fiji's strategic location by making it the base to gain market access in the Pacific Islands, according to the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA).
The existing relationship between the two countries could also help Malaysian firms to reach a wider market, said MIDA deputy director-general 1, Datuk Afifuddin Abdul Kadir.
He was speaking at the opening of a one-day seminar on "Business and Investment Opportunities in Fiji" here Tuesday.
Afifuddin said Malaysian companies are encouraged to explore opportunities in Fiji in areas like tourism, food, electrical and electronics, textiles, garment, wood-based products and furniture, agriculture, leather products, industrial minerals, and paper and plastic industries.
"Malaysia can also supply Fiji with a wide range of globally accepted quality products. These include rubber, wood, processed food, palm oil, optical and scientific equipment, and chemical products," he said.
Afifuddin said Malaysia could outsource goods from Fiji such as food and marine products, gold, timber and garments.
With bilateral trade amounting to RM127.3 million last year, Malaysia is well-positioned to pursue cross-border investment with Fiji, he said.
"It is timely for Malaysian companies to reassess their operational strategies and explore investment opportunities abroad," Afifuddin said.
"Opening up operations overseas will enable them to sustain their competitiveness and to strategically position themselves in the global area," he said.
-- BERNAMA
