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Last Updated: Jun 25th, 2007 - 17:07:26 |
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"A theme pervading this report is that Australia's relationship with Malaysia is changing - from one of support in the early years, to the present collaboration of important nations in the region. Doubtless there will be challenges, but the committee is confident the good will exists to overcome them."
- David Jull, chairman of the Australian Foreign Affairs Sub-committee. |
MELBOURNE, March 29 (Bernama) -- The Australian Government says there is a growing niche market for Australian primary producers in halal-certified products, with Malaysia the gateway to Muslim countries.
A report by the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade said it had recommended the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to facilitate the process of halal certification and the export of halal produce to Muslim countries, using Malaysia as the hub.
The report highlighted Australia's growing relationship with Malaysia, saying that Malaysia had become Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Association of South-East Asian Nations and ninth largest trading partner overall, adding that the two-day trade in 2005-06 amounted to A$11.35 billion (A$1=RM2.75).
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Sub-committee, David Jull, said Australia had developed a positive and mutually-beneficial relationship with Malaysia.
He said trade between Australia and Malaysia was complementary -- Australia exported to Malaysia natural resources, dairy products and sugar, while Australia imported Malaysian crude petroleum, furniture, and electronic products.
Jull said Malaysia, however, enjoyed a significant balance of trade in its favour especially in the merchandise sector.
"A theme pervading this report is that Australia's relationship with Malaysia is changing -- from one of support in the early years, to the present collaboration of important nations in the region," Jull said.
He said Australia's relationship with Malaysia would continue to evolve.
"Doubtless there will be challenges, but the committee is confident the good will exists to overcome them," he said.
He said Australia and Malaysia were negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA).
"A number of significant issues are being discussed in FTA negotiations.
"From the evidence provided, the committee believes that both Australia and Malaysia are approaching these negotiations in good faith with real progress being achieved", Jull said.
He said Australia also had a strong defence relationship with Malaysia under the Five-Power Defence Agreement and the continuing presence of Australian Defence Force personnel at the Butterworth airbase.
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