WIEF TO TACKLE REGIONAL ISSUES

By Mohd Nasir Yusoff

JAKARTA, March 3 (Bernama) - Malaysia's initiative, the World Islamic
Economic Forum (WIEF), will be expanded to the regional levels to enable the
focus on localised issues affecting a particular region and work towards
economic cooperation that will fulfill the needs of the countries in the region.

Prime Minister of Malaysia Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, as the patron of WIEF,
said that during major discussions and international forum, there were no
opportunities to discuss matters related to the specific needs of countries
in a region.

"This suggestion is from them and not from us. They want this because for
example in South Africa where there are many Muslims, they feel that it would be
good to hold the discussions under the WIEF umbrella at their areas," he told a
press conference here Tuesday.

He said the proposal was presented by a member of the International Advisory
Panel (IAP) WIEF who met him at the conclusion of the Fifth WIEF Forum held
here. The forum involved more than 1,000 leaders from the private and public
sector of both Islamic and non Islamic countries worldwide.

The discussions under the WIEF umbrella can be also held at regional levels
within the African continent such as the east, west and south Africa region
respectively as well as in the region covering the South Asia Association of
Regional Cooperation countries that comprise India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka and Maldives.

Abdullah said that the WIEF in its present form as an annual international
forum, since its formation in Malaysia in 2003, would still be maintained with
Malaysia to host the event again next year.

"I am also happy and grateful to them (IAP) on their contribution so much so
that it has become much bigger involving Islamic industrialists from the member
countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and also from the non OIC
member countries," he said.

Earlier, Abdullah also met Moroccon Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi and the
Deputy Prime Minister Qatar Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah. He said the Moroccon
leaders had expressed their interest to see more enhanced cooperation with
Malaysia in the areas of economy covering trade and investments.

"Right now, there is very good chance to increase the activities in the
respective areas," he said.

Abdullah said both the leaders who had attended the WIEF forum, were of the
opinion that the forum was very good, giving the opportunity for the private
sector of Islamic countries to discuss on economy.

"The discussions on economy did not pose any difficulties or raise
contrasting views like that found in political discussions. There was ease
between participants and what more, it was benefitting and increased
cooperation," he said.
-- BERNAMA