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More Tourists Coming From Britain
British High Commissioner Bruce Cleghorn lauded the solid growth of trade between Britain and Malaysia, and said the number of incoming British tourists is expected to increase this year.
Malaysia Airlines flights direct to Penang and Langkawi from England have made these tourism destinations more accessible and are an important factor in increasing visitor numbers. "I've been told that there has been good utilisation of these flights," he added. Trade between Britain and Malaysia totaled RM20bil last year, growing by 10.4% last year compared with 2002. Malaysian exports to the UK last year rose by 7% and British imports to Malaysia registered an 18% rise.
Malaysia continues to hold a nearly two-to-one trade surplus with its RM13bil exports to Britain. Britain, the world's fifth largest trading nation, has named Malaysia as one of its 14 target markets worldwide. Britain's top 15 exports here include electrical machinery and appliances, vehicles and other transport equipment, power generating machinery and equipment, telecommunications and sound recording equipment, iron and steel, and medicinal pharmaceutical products.
Malaysia is also Britain's third largest market for wooden furniture. Britains increasing focus on Malaysia can be seen in the number of trade missions heading here. In recent weeks, at least seven UK missions arrived to pursue, among others, waste disposal, environmental and educational contracts.
Kuala Lumpur 12/4/2004
