MALAYSIA TO SHARE ECONOMIC EXPERTISE WITH AFRICA

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - Malaysia is ready to help African countries undertake economic transformation by sending Datuk Seri Idris Jala(left photo). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said sending the chief executive officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) was Malaysia's way of helping the continent tap its vast economic potential.

• “Malaysia is at the brink of eradicating hard core poverty and you can send your people here and we will share with you our experiences and expertise.
• “Or, we can even send Idris there but don't keep him too long as we need him here,” he said at the close of the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) 2011 Tuesday.
• “He is not transferable and there is no transfer fee for him,” Najib said in jest.
• He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the dialogue where leaders reiterated their commitment in ensuring economic transformation plans were implemented.
• In this context, he said the business forum introduced at LID 2011 would be a permanent feature of the smart partnership dialogue.
• “And to further enhance the dialogue, the forum will include small and medium enterprises and business franchise opportunities between Malaysia, Africa and the Caribbean.

In a press conference later, Najib (left photo) said African leaders are determined to chart a new course and use their resources and strengths to achieve a higher degree of development.
“Thus, it is important for us to work closely with African countries for our mutual benefit and LID will certainly help us,” he said.
Najib said areas such as construction of highways and low cost housing were likely to interest companies and this could be complemented with better air links between Malaysia and the continent.

Source: The Star, UMNO online