News From : DagangHalal.com (24 Oct 2011)
From Abdul Aziz Harun
JEDDAH, Oct 21 (Bernama) – Malaysia’s palm oil, wood products and furniture as well as its position as a halal hub, have huge potential for further growth in the Saudi Arabia market.
Malaysia’s Consul General in Jeddah, Mohd Khalid Abdul Razak said efforts to promote the products and the halal hub, needs to be enhanced due to this.
He said the halal hub can be promoted more aggressively in Saudi Arabia as more than 70 per cent of the food product needs of the country is imported.
He also said the Malaysian tourism sector is another area with big potential for expansion in Saudi Arabia, if there are more attractive packages, specifically for Arab tourists.
“Last year, about 87,000 Saudi Arabian tourists arrived in Malaysia. It is hoped that this year, with better promotion, the figure will see a rise,” he told members of the Tabung Haji media group when met after a forum here today.
Mohd Khalid said the Consul General’s office in Jeddah had placed two key agencies within it, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and Tourism Malaysia.
Meanwhile, he also said that total trade between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia last year, reached US$2.9 billion with the balance in trade in favour of the former.
He added that Saudi Arabia also offered vast opportunities in the services sector for highly skilled workers, especially in projects for the development of Mecca.
He cited an example, the engineering expertise involved in the development of the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower in Mecca.
The work was undertaken by a Malaysian and also the confidence entrusted in 144 staff of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) in managing the various stations of the Mecca Metro during the current Hajj season.
Mohd Khalid said there were other forms of expertise involving Malaysians in various projects in Mecca, including work to expand the Masjidil Haram.
Credit: BERNAMA