MILAN: Malaysia, a strong proponent of free trade, is actively pursuing free trade agreements with several countries, to boost trade and create new jobs and wealth.
Speaking in his closing statement at the closing of the Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) here this morning, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said negotiations on a free trade agreement between Malaysia and the European Union should proceed.
He said apart from active negotiations with the European Free Trade Association countries, Malaysia was also actively pursuing the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.
"We believe that by so doing we can further boost trade and create new jobs and wealth," he said.
In a related development, Najib also said that more could be done by both Asia and Europe to enhance the economic links between the two regions.
He said there was a need to strengthen economic cooperation between the business sectors of both regions.
"Both our continents provide vast opportunities for trade, investment and growth.
"Although economic connectivity between Asia and Europe is strong, it is my belief that more can be done to enhance links.
"And I believe that by working together, we can all prosper in unison," he stressed.
The AEBF is held as part of the two-day 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit which Najib is currently attending in Milan, the second most populous city in Italy.
The ASEM summit ends tomorrow.