| H.E. Dato' Hasnudin Hamzah, High Commissioner of |
The Malaysia- New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA), scheduled to be signed on Monday, will mark a new milestone in relationship between the two countries who have had bilateral ties since the 1950's. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is to visit Malaysia and sign the deal with his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
New Zealand's main exports to Malaysia are processed food, iron and steel and paper and pulp products. Malaysia's top exports are electrical and electronic products. Malaysia is the seventh largest trading partner of New Zealand which exported nearly NZ$1 billion (RM2.3 billion) to the country in 2008 with two-way trade worth nearly NZ$3 billion (RM6.9 billion).
Hasnudin suggested that Malaysian businessman could capitalise on this, especially by interacting and understanding the culture of business in New Zealand and more importantly, bring this expertise back home. "This is to meet New Zealand's recognised international standards and technical know- how. Although the New Zealand market is small, the country is also the gateway to the Pacific, “he said.
Hasnudin suggested that Malaysian businessman could capitalise on this, especially by interacting and understanding the culture of business in New Zealand and more importantly, bring this expertise back home. "This is to meet New Zealand's recognised international standards and technical know- how. Although the New Zealand market is small, the country is also the gateway to the Pacific, “he said.
The LCA is aimed at establishing a constructive framework for dialogue and cooperation on labour related policies such as the workforce, work place health and safety, welfare and worker training. "The signings will allow the Ministry of Human Resources to step up cooperation with New Zealand on labour policy issues of mutual interest," Hasnudin said.
-- BERNAMA