Commercial exchange between Malaysia and Yemen is set to grow from the current relatively limited volume as their joint economic trade committee is making headway to unlock business potentials available in both countries, reported Malaysian news agency Bernama today. The committee will hold its first meeting in Sana'a, Yemen, in December this year. Topping the inaugural meeting agenda is the need to push for partnerships in various economic fields and to resolve trade issues that may impede trade and investment such as those in relation to maritime and customs. Yemen's Industry and Trade Minister Yahya Y. Al-Mutawakel said he believed the economic forum could facilitate in enhancing trade and investment relations between his country and Malaysia. Although bilateral trade between the two countries had progressed over the years, there was however room for improvement, he said. "Definitely, the objective of the committee is to enhance trade between Yemen and Malaysia. We need to address issues that impede trade between us," he told Bernama in an interview here in conjunction with his visit to Malaysia. Yahya is leading a delegation of 22 businessmen to Kuala Lumpur for three days from May 8. He held a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz, on Wednesday. Total trade between Yemen and Malaysia amounted to US$312 million (US$1=RM3.40) last year with exports valued at US$260.2 million and imports at US$51.8 million. -- SPA
