Bernama.com (Malaysian National News Agency), 23 August 2006 21:26 PM

Trade Missions To Latin America Rake In RM8.31 Mln In Sales

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies that participated in the recent trade and investment missions to Latin America led by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, raked in sales of RM8.31 million.

Ahmad Husni led the missions to Argentina, Chile and Mexico from Aug 6-15 to update business communities in those countries on the current economic and trade development in Malaysia, to establish business linkage and explore opportunities.

"The missions, beside creating greater market access and knowledge for Malaysian companies, also received an overwhelming response from foreign participants," Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said in a statement here Wednesday.

Matrade said there were more than 800 foreign participants during the seminars and 189 one-to-one business meetings were arranged for Malaysian companies that participated in the missions.

"Among the serious enquiries received by Malaysian companies are for air-conditioning equipment and components, elastic webbing and tapes, mould, parts for natural gas vehicles, furniture, telecommunications products, oil and gas equipment, building materials as well as medical gloves and equipment," it said.

Matrade said the businessmen in the countries the missions visited were also keen to source a wider range of products and services from Malaysia, including pharmaceutical products, fresh fruits, rubber products and information and communications technology services.

"Many are also interested to collaborate with Malaysian companies in the area of biotechnology, education, tourism, natural gas, alternative energy and banking.

"They recognise that Malaysia could serve as a strategic location for them to penetrate the Asian market," it said.

-- BERNAMA