By NNN-Bernama
Sarajevo : Short visit with productive results was how Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described his just-ended two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the leaders’ level, he said, it was clear that they wanted the existing cordial relations the two countries enjoyed be further strengthened, especially in the economic sector.
“I wish to see a stronger Malaysian economic presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said.
“The relations are at best and friendly level of cooperation,” said Abdullah’s counterpart Nikola Spiric who is Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
Abdullah’s concern stemmed from the very low economic activities between the two countries despite their warm ties.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bosnia and Herzegovina was just under US$2 million (RM7.7 million) last year, with Malaysia exporting electronics and electrical products worth RM7 million, and imported mainly furniture and aluminium valued at RM700,000.
Abdullah’s wish for a stronger Malaysian economic presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina signalled Malaysia’s continued commitment towards the development of the Balkan state before, during and after the civil war.
When Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslavia state which declared independence in 1992, Malaysia recognised the new country and extended assistance including sending peacekeepers during the four-year civil war which ended in 1995.
After 12 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of four million people, is still in the process of rebuilding the country and its economy.
The presence of 59 Malaysian businessmen during the visit was welcomed and there was an encouraging sign as 192 meetings were held on the first day alone between the business community of the two countries.
Abdullah listed the potential areas for Malaysian businessmen to form strategic alliances with their Bosnian counterparts.
They include construction of roads, highways and power plants which would help the country realise its ambition to become a net exporter of power to the region.
Malaysian businessmen could also explore opportunities in the telecommunications sector as Bosnia and Herzegovina had liberalised its communications sector.
Education and tourism are other areas they could venture into.
In driving home both the governments’ commitment in facilitating the business community’s efforts in developing this country, they would do whatever they could to help them.
“Whatever economic agreements and policies that need to be introduced or amended, we will do it,” said Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister.
As proof of the governments’ commitment, the agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income were inked between the two governments during the visit.