MALAYSIA-CHINA TRADE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE GROWING

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Bilateral trade between Malaysia and
China is expected to continue growing despite the current global economic
turmoil, according to the Malaysia-China Chambers of Commerce.

"There are strong complementary factors in economic and trade relations
between Malaysia-China with ample room for future development," said its
president Yong Ah Pwi.

Bilateral trade development between the two nations should be stable, Yong
said the Jiaxing Investment and Trade Seminar held here Friday.

"China is actively expanding the domestic market which brings forth
unlimited opportunities. Hence, many Malaysian products can be promoted to the
huge China market," he said.

Yong said Malaysian businessman could take advantage of the establishment of
China-Asean Free Trade Zone from 2010, whereby majority of the import and export
products are tax-free.

"There is also great potential in the development of service and tourism
industries between the two countries," he said.

Yong said that Malaysian entrepeneurs keen to invest and develop businesses
in China should choose Jiaxing as a top priority of destination.

Located about an hour drive from Shanghai, Jiaxing has a state-level
export-processing zone, 12 provincial-level economic development zones, two
provincial-level tourism resorts and over 60 industrial parks.

Its main industries include auto components and parts,
optical-electro-mechanical products, textile and clothes, leather and cases,
chemicals, warp-knitting, timber processing and furniture, and information
technology.

Malaysia is now the 11th largest nation in terms of foreign investment in
Jiaxing, and the eighth largest exporter to the city.

As of 2008, there are 41 Malaysian companies in Jiaxing with investment
amounting to US$278 million (US$1.00=RM3.60).

-- BERNAMA