N.Z. and Malaysian businessmen meet

Press, 20 August 1984, Page 31

N.Z. and Malaysian businessmen meet

PA Wellington New Zealand and Malaysian businessmen will work for closer economic cooperation between the two countries, after a meeting in Wellington, sponsored by the New Zealand A.S.E.A.N. Business Council The businessmen discussed areas of opportunity and potential with a visiting Malaysian business delegation. More than 50 New Zealand business leaders attended. The leader of the Malaysian delegation, Mr Nawawi Mat Awin, said links already forged between the countries were expanding. New Zealand companies had been very successful — almost too successful — in Malaysia in general trading,

investment, and joint-ven-ture arrangements. New Zealand cheese almost “flooded” Malaysian supermarkets and was much sought after. However, there was a wide trade imbalance in New Zealand’s favour and it was important to try to narrow the gap. From the New Zealand side there were presentations on the economy, the business climate and environment, technological developments in New Zealand and areas for public private sector co-operation in joint ventures. The Malaysians questioned the degree to which the private sector was involved in the consultative process in New Zealand, as was the case in Malaysia.

They were assured that there had been always been consultative mechanisms in New Zealand between the private and public sector. Closer Economic Relations, export incentives, and import licensing were cases in point where there had been long negotiations between sectors. There was some discussion on the usefulness of Malyasian students educated in New Zealand on their return to their own country, and areas of trade promotion were cited. The Malaysian side was particularly interested in the management training programmes of the New Zealand Administrative Staff College, which offered places for mature students from overseas.