KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Traders Association (Perda-Asean) has called on the business community to go all out to promote Malaysian products, and the banking industry to help them succeed, in light of government efforts to revive the economy through measures such as the zero-rating of the Goods and Services Tax.
President Datuk Moehamad Izat Emir urged banks to come forward to provide active support for export industries.
“Malaysia is rich in commodities and manufactured products such as palm oil, rubber, timber, furniture, cocoa, pepper, kenaf and tobacco, and there is a lot of room for improving exports.
“An opportunity to meet the banks to discuss export-related issues as well as getting their full assistance is highly welcomed,” he said in a statement.
Moehamad Izat said Malaysia could be a smart exporter on par with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and some European countries if various facilities were made available to enhance export capabilities.
“Our main objective is to promote cooperation in economy and trade industries of Asean countries; foster economic, social and cultural connectivity through trading in Asean countries; and improve the economic status of Asean-based entrepreneurs,” he said.
The association, he added, was also willing to work together with the government to promote trade-related industries throughout the region and support Asean entrepreneurs regardless of their size or product category.—BERNAMA