Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited Laos to tap into Malaysia’s halal expertise if it wishes to enter a larger market of Muslim consumers.
Speaking in a joint press conference with his Laotian counterpart Dr Sonexay Siphandone at the Laos Prime Minister’s Office in Vientiane today (June 27), Anwar said by venturing into the halal industries, especially halal food, Laos could be able to expand its export business.
“We have a small advantage in the halal food industries, which I think you (Laos) should utilise so that you will be able to expand the export to the Muslim countries and the Middle East,” he said.
“You can also count on our team as part of your extended team to collaborate in all areas and fields as a move to further strengthen Asean as a force in the region, Anwar added at the press conference, which was broadcasted live on Anwar’s official Facebook account.
Among the MoCs signed included Keretapi Tanah Api Melayu (KTMB) and Lao National Railway State Enterprise (LNRSE) as well as Mutiara Perlis Sdn Bhd (MPSB) and Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP).
Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Electrcity du Lao (EDL).
Anwar added that the collaboration between MPSB and TDP will benefit both counties in terms of port management.
“The set-up of MPSB is very significant to us and it is important to us that TDP is collaborating with us in terms of management as the facilities are huge. This includes the collaboration between KTMB and LNRSE. Together, we will work and I am sure we will get full cooperation with the new Thailand government to ensure that this (collaboration) can be done for the benefit of not only Malaysia but also Laos and Thailand.”
Meanwhile, on Asean, Anwar said he trusts Simphandone’s wisdom to ensure that both countries deal with more precarious conditions and find amicable resolutions to the long-standing conflict that is also affecting the security of the economic welfare of both countries.
Anwar arrived in Vientiane on Monday for a two-day official visit to Laos to further strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation with the Asean member state.
Anwar’s maiden visit to the Asean member state, after being sworn in as the Prime Minister on Nov 24 last year was at the invitation of Siphandone.
