Malaysia show interest in Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania markets

Oct 13, 2006 (KUALA LAMPUR) — Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania are among the fastest-growing economies in the African continent. They provide Malaysian exporters a gateway to the region’s market.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) is organising a marketing mission to explore business potentials in these countries, for 10 days beginning November 15. During the mission, the delegation will visit Khartoum (Sudan), Nairobi (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

“The mission will promote Malaysian products and services, search for market opportunities and establish a direct business contact between Malaysian companies and their businessmen.

“A series of business meetings will be arranged for Malaysian companies during the mission,” a Matrade official told Business Times.

Malaysian products that could potentially be sold in these countries include palm oil, iron and steel products, agro-based machinery and equipment, food and beverages, construction materials and equipment, automotive and spare parts, and computers and information-technology products.

Services such as education, healthcare and construction also have the potential to be further developed here, the official said.

Malaysia’s total trade with the African continent last year expanded by 20.7 per cent to RM10.1 billion. The exports grew by 26.8 per cent to RM7.6 billion and imports increased by 5.2 per cent to reach RM2.5 billion.

With a combined population of more than 900 million, the African market offers vast opportunities for Malaysian products and services.

“There is scope for export of consumer goods and industrial products and services in that continent,” the official said.

(Business Times)