Malaysia, Bosnia much in common

KUCHING: Malaysia and Bosnia Herzegovina have much in common. Both countries shared values of multi-cultural tolerance and Malaysia is one of Bosnia’s the best friends.
The goodwill that started 20 years ago is being further cemented by this Malaysia Global Business Forum – Bosnia, said Bosnia Herzegovina President Dr Haris Silajdzic yesterday after a Closed Door Session with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Silajdzic thanked the Chief Minister for the warm welcome he extended to the delegation and said he felt good to take home some ideas from Mahathir, who is probably Bosnia & Herzegovina’s greatest friend.

The President said that in the beginning, economic ties between the two countries were not strong but this initiative of the Malaysia Global Business Forum has made Bosnia rise to the expectation and make business a means for developing closer ties.
Mahathir said the establishment of commercial relations with each other is to be commended as Malaysia needs to use the contacts that Bosnia already has in Eastern Europe. At the moment there are some problems with transport with no direct flights.

He went on to say “There are many opportunities in Eastern Europe that have not been exploited. This conference is timely and important and Sarawak is one of the most dynamic states in Malaysia which is keen to play a key role in trade development. I hope to visit Bosnia in April next year for a similar conference.”

Participants, whether delegates, exhibitors, or speakers all commended Glenreagh Sdn Bhd for putting together the political and economic streams from Bosnia herzegovina. The business delegation was able to secure over seven MoU (Memorandums of Understanding).

A MoU was signed between Swinburne University and Sarajevo University. The Rector of Sarajevo University, Professor Faruk said that education is one area where the relationship between Malaysia and Bosnia achieved a solid result. However, he said that it has been mainly Bosnians studying in Malaysia and now they want to see Malaysians going to Sarajevo for higher education.

Managing Director of Glenreagh Nordin Abdullah said real business has taken place at the forum, taking the relationship between the countries to a new level of economic diversity with education, energy, Halal food and tourism groups working together for the benefits of both countries.

Taken from: Eastern Times