Malaysia is keen to conclude a separate trade-opening pact with India to enhance its trade and economic ties. It is also in favour of operationalisation of Indo-ASEAN Free Trade agreement. The Malaysian Prime Minister Mr.Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak said at a meeting of captains of industry in New Delhi that he will like the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit Malaysia to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, CECA. He said the market-opening CECA would spur economic growth for both the nations.<br/><br/>With bilateral trade exceeding 10.5 billion us dollars in 2008-09, Malaysia is India's second largest trading partner after Singapore among the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Mr. Razak also sought fast-tracking of negotiations to conclude India-ASEAN FTA on services and investment. Earlier talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception in the fore court of Rashtrapati Bhavan, he termed India as Malaysia's important strategic partner and hoped that his visit will add vigor and impetus to bilateral relations<br/><br/>Mohammed Razak is expected to sign an Extradition Treaty along with some other pacts after the delegation level talks with Dr. Manmohan Singh later this evening. He is accompanied by a high level delegation that includes several cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, chief ministers, members of Parliament, senior officials and a business delegation. Mr Razak will discuss with his Indian counterpart a wide range of issues, including promotion of trade and investment. He will also visit Chennai before returning back home on Saturday.<br/>
News On AIR | January 21, 2010 9:32 AM
Malaysia keen to sign pact to enhance economic ties with India