Strengthening ties between Canada and Malaysia in sectors such as aerospace, green technology, agriculture, transport, oil and gas was the focus of meetings in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday attended by Canadian Governor-General David Johnston.
Talks focused on strengthening commercial activity and capacity building as well as research and development collaboration to promote innovation in science and technology.
Malaysia is Canada's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Canadian companies in Malaysia employ thousands of Malaysians. The relationship is complimented by major investment by Malaysian companies in Canada in oil and gas and agriculture sectors and Canadian investments in aerospace, high technology, transportation and oil and gas sectors in Malaysia.
Hosted by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), the meeting brought Canada's most senior official together with more than 40 top-management representatives of industry, government and non-profit organizations.
"The Government of Malaysia has taken stock of the importance of fostering strong links with the international science and technology community," said the meeting's chairman, Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Joint Chairman of MIGHT.
"Top-level meetings like this bring together decision makers capable of making significant headway in improving trade and investment in high technology industries but also in strengthening collaboration in research and sustainable development through innovation. The Prime Minister has called 2012 the year of innovation. Strengthening Malaysia's science and technology relationship with the world will be an important part of that," he added.
In a joint statement, the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and MIGHT committed to continued joint development of industrial relations in high technology.
"The High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), recognize the importance of high technology industries to the development of trade and investment between Canada and Malaysia," the statement said.
"The High Commission and MIGHT have decided to enhance their efforts by means of a joint action plan to link Canadian high technology industries to Malaysia."