Zimbabwe: Malaysia Trade Grows Steadily

Zimbabwe: Malaysia Trade Grows Steadily

The Herald (Harare)

29 May 2008
Jeffrey Gogo

TRADE between Zimbabwe and Malaysia has swollen beyond US$100 million over the past five years, still critically low, but has room to expand.

Malaysia's under secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hasrul Sani Mujtabar said economic co-operation with Zimbabwe had risen steadily over the years.

"Zimbabwe is one of our biggest trade partners in southern Africa together with South Africa," he explained.

"Trade patterns have generally slowed down in recent years due to attendant economic problems in the country (Zimbabwe).

However, we are aware that the economy there (in Zimbabwe) has potential to become one of the biggest in Africa.

"Malaysia will continue to explore new areas of economic co-operation with Zimbabwe with a view to enhancing trade and strengthening current relations."

Officials at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said that trade numbers were not immediately available noting, however, it had continued to grow.

The country exports to Malaysia a galaxy of products, mainly horticultural produce and some artefacts. Amongst other products, Zimbabwe imports electronic devices such as air conditioners, pumps, fans and generators. Chemicals and chemical products represent also one area of major interest.

There is also co-operation in education.

Several Zimbabwean students are currently enrolled at selected institutes of higher learning in Malaysia.

According to statistics from the Malaysia government, trade with Africa rose 26,8 percent to RM10,27 billion (US$3,3 billion).

Malaysia did not provide individual country trade figures.

Malaysia represents one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia with an average yearly growth rate of 5 percent in the last half a decade.

It aims to become a first world country by 2020.