Anwar: Malaysia to offer Islamic banking, halal expertise to Kyrgyzstan
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is ready to offer its expertise in Islamic banking and the halal industry to Kyrgyzstan to help develop more comprehensive facilities and services, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said his discussions with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov focused on establishing an Islamic bank to strengthen the financial system.
"Of course, we discussed Islamic banking, halal matters, construction, finance, and related programmes, including the proposal to establish an Islamic bank.
"There will be follow-up meetings between our ministers. You (Zhaparov) have brought key ministers to Malaysia, and my ministers will respond accordingly," he said at a joint press conference at Kompleks Seri Perdana today.
Anwar said the strategic cooperation was essential not only to strengthen understanding and friendship but also to ensure that bilateral trade, investment programmes and projects continue to progress.
He added that Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan had also agreed to explore the Halal Cooperation Action Plan proposed by Zhaparov.
"This matter will be explored more thoroughly. Undoubtedly, Kyrgyzstan has strong capabilities in hydropower, green energy, and renewable energy – areas in which Malaysia is very interested to understand, study, and benefit from."
He also said Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan had agreed to enhance cooperation in education and research, with a focus on strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding the social and economic potential of both countries.
As part of this effort, Anwar said Malaysia would provide technical and educational assistance to the people of Kyrgyzstan through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
"Our institutions are ready to assist in identifying individuals for training, and we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to implement an exchange programme with your country."
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