Wednesday, February 10, 2010

OUM
Westports Maritime
Public Bank

November 18, 2009 22:30 PM

Local Works Of Art Can Contribute To Nation's Economy, Says Mukhriz

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The works of local artists have tremendous potential to be developed into an industry that can contribute to the country's economic growth in the future, says International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Paintings carry very high value and could bring in good returns when exported overseas, he said.

"We are trying to consider if the field of arts could be seen as another small and medium sized industry (SMI) to enable the government help local artists to further expand their talents to the international level," he told the media during a visit Wednesday by art collectors in conjunction with the "Art Expo Malaysia 2009" which will be held here from Thursday till November 23.

"This is because this SMI also involves an export market where the works of arts can bring in huge returns. It can therefore help to contribute towards the country's economic growth," Mukhriz said.

He said various programmes could be put in place to help promote local paintings at international levels.

"In MITI itself, we invite local artists to participate in investment and trade missions to exhibit their works. For example, during the trade mission to Dubai in March, several paintings were bought by the locals there," he said.

Mukhriz said local works have also received good response from other countries like the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

"We have talented artists and we should help them," he reiterated.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) 
news coverage in our Newswire service.