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Government To Look At Key Concerns Of Business Community Under ETP

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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The government is looking closely at key concerns of the business community under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), especially in the area of human capital, foreign labour and immigration, the Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Friday.

He also said the government was keeping an open mind on issues, and there was more coordination among the different government agencies, in tackling issues.

He was speaking to reporters after a Dialogue Session today between the ministry and the private sector and foreign business communities to promote trade and investment in Malaysia.

"This is a new initiative from us and for the first time, we are engaging the foreign business councils. We discussed many things and this year, we will seek ways to reduce barriers," Mustapa said.

The dialogue session also included a special briefing on the ETP by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department cum Chief Executive Officer of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

During the session, Mustapa said many issues concerning human capital development had been discussed.

"It has been a fruitful discussion this morning and we will be picking up these issues and looking into resolving them," he said.

In terms of implementation, he however said there was still a general feeling that the country needed to buck up, although various programmes and plans that had been put in place.

"There is still some frustration, and our job is in the business of improving business sentiment and facilitating trades and investments, and that is why we need their forthright and sincere comments," he said.

The session today was attended by about 200 delegates representing 34 business councils, local industry councils and government agencies.

Meanwhile, President of the Malaysia Australia Business Council, Michael Halpin said the government's plans could be gauged from its implementation.

"In general, I think all the business councils are impressed with the plans that are laid out, but its a mammoth path the government is taking.

"I think the implementation is what every one will be watching," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Source: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=558281