N.Z. in Malaysian tourism?

Press, 19 March 1985, Page 6

N.Z. in Malaysian tourism?

By

MICHAEL HANNAH

in Kuala Lumpur The use of experienced New Zealand tour firms by the Malaysian tourist industry was suggested to a Malaysian Government agency yesterday. The suggestion came from Mr John Rose, a director of Marac Holdings, Ltd, and a member of a New Zealand trade mission now visiting the six A.S.E.A.N. countries. Mr Rose put his proposal at a meeting between the mission and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority. He suggested that, if the Malaysian tourist industry, now having a boom in hotel construction, could help

New Zealand in its hotel accommodation, New Zealand could reciprocate by helping Malaysia in its handling of in-bound tourists. Malaysia had the potential to develop tourist routes throughout its country, Mr Rose said, and New Zealand companies like the Newmans Group had expertise in developing in-bound tourist business activities. Mr Rose’s suggestion was received sympathetically by M.I.D.A. officials at the meeting, at which the ground rules for trade cooperation between Malaysian and other countries were outlined. A support, structure for New Zealand'

companies in the region may also have been pushed further to reality during the trade mission’s visit to Kuala Lumpur. At a meeting between the mission and the Combined Malaysian Chambers of Commerce and Industry yesterday, a proposal for a trade sensor in Kuala Lumpur was proposed by the Malaysians. The Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Moore, welcomed the proposal, particularly as it was likely to be funded by the companies themselves. In a similar vein, a Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Unit could be established to serve the South-East Asian

region. The trade mission has given Dr John Troughton, of the D.5.1.R., a chance to assess the best possible site for such a unit. Singapore is a strong possibility at this stage because of its central position, but no decision has yet been made. The unit would be the D.S.I.R.’s first move out of New Zealand, and its establishment might be a world first for a Government department. It is envisaged that the unit would be funded jointly by companies and the New Zealand Government to provide technical research and assistance for New Zealand traders in the region.