Business

Wednesday September 30, 2009

More visible positive signs seen by mid-2010



DPM discusses SMEs measures with Forbes

PM: Change is not an option

OPTIMISM is returning to the economy as the Government expects positive signs to be much more visible by the middle of next year, says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the Government was keen to pursue talks for a free trade agreement with the United States, subject to contentious issues being ironed out.

Speaking with Forbes president and CEO, Steve Forbes, Muhyiddin said the current projection was for an improvement in the economy after it contracted in the past two quarters.

Steve Forbes talks to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

He said the development and health of small and medium enterprises in the country was essential as they accounted for the majority of employment and 32% of gross domestic product.

He said funding was increasing for SMEs and the next step was to see whether the sector could move towards a higher level of development.

Muhyiddin also said RM20bil could be accrued from the government-driven aquaculture plan from a current industry size of RM8bil and that tourism was seen as a sector of growth.

On trade, he sees China emerging as Malaysia’s most important trading partner in the future.

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story