KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to India, which is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of the year, is set to open a new chapter in further strengthening strategic cooperation between both countries.
This was announced by Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy, in his official visit to Deputy Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan at his office in Menara Bank Rakyat here today.
"The Indian government regards Malaysia as having a solid economic platform via economic reforms implemented under the leadership of the prime minister.
"The Indian government wishes to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Malaysia, especially in the economic sector involving Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and cooperatives," said Reddy.
Meanwhile, Ramanan said key agendas in the discussion included the potential of cooperation between Malaysia and India in boosting the SME economy.
"Both parties have stated their commitment and desire to forge a stronger relationship in this area, taking into account the potential for growth in the SME sector," he said.
In the almost hour-long visit, Ramanan also suggested that the Indian government promote its SME sector in Malaysia to be highlighted in the Malaysian market, as well as establishing strategic SME cooperation involving both countries.
Ramanan also stressed on the roles played by SME Corp Malaysia and the Cooperatives Commission of Malaysia in strategising comprehensive plans for cooperation to develop SMEs in both countries.
"With an emphasis on SME cooperation, it is hoped that there will be even more opportunities for exchanges of technology, knowledge, and experience between entrepreneurs from both nations."
The discussion held, he said, signifies a strong commitment from both countries towards strengthening economic ties.
"It is hoped that the outcome of this meeting will lead to new opportunities which will benefit SMEs in both Malaysia and India," he said.