Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 16, 2009 18:30 PM

Envoy Engages Malaysian Business Community In UAE

By Abdul Muin Majid

DUBAI, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Datuk Yahaya Abdul Jabar has pledged to bring up issues faced by the Malaysian business community in this Gulf state with the Malaysian government.

He conveyed this during a dialogue session with representatives of Malaysian companies and professionals organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) here recently.

"We'll definitely take up those issues and concerns with the government and, from there, we'll see whether our leadership can help resolve some of their problems," the envoy said.

Among the issues raised during the session moderated by Matrade's senior trade commissioner based in Dubai, Dzulkifli Mahmud, were late payments by clients and how Malaysian financial institutions could assist some of the Malaysian firms operating in the UAE.

Yahaya said the government should look at the possibility of a capital increase for Malaysia's Exim Bank to enable it to carry out its role more effectively.

"I've personally found the discussions very frank and lively. The session has helped us to better understand some of the issues and problems faced by our business community," he said.

One of the participants, Eversendai Corporation's group managing director Datuk A.K. Nathan, said Malaysian firms should pick the right jobs and partners.

According to him, they should gauge their own strength before signing up for any project.

The event was also attended by Malaysian consul-general in Dubai, Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.

-- BERNAMA

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