KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti)is optimistic over Malaysia’s first quarter 2015 (1Q15) trade data amidst the uncertainty in current oil prices.
Deputy Minister (Trade) Datuk Lee Chee Leong said despite oil prices being expected to weaken further, the manufacturing and tourism segments are projected to support the 1Q15 data.
“Judging from the trade figures for last year, it is still slightly better as compared to 2013. Although, the ringgit has depreciated at present, I expect the two segments to balance out our trade data.
“But of course, it also depends on the global economic environment as well,” he told reporters after the launch of the Perdana University Master of International Trade (MIT) programme here, today.
For the first quarter 2013, total trade stood at RM322.71 billion.
Meanwhile, the MIT is a pioneering programme that will shape the study of international trade in the region.
It is offered in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Zurich University of Applied Science School Management and Law (ZHAW), with the support of Miti.
The MIT is a comprehensive 12-module programme that can be completed in 15 months with a maximum candidature of four years.
Lee said the collaboration in the MIT programme is timely as international trade is crucial to support and drive Malaysia’s economic growth.
“With Perdana University offering five places for Miti, our officers can take this opportunity to upgrade their skills in areas such as trade negotiations and other international trade related matters,” he added. – BERNAMA