By BERNAMA / Pic By MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies will be strengthening its forces to ensure the success of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, despite the ongoing global challenges.

Minister Datuk Darell Leiking (picture) said the ministry needs to ensure that the country is able to handle the obstacles and become a self-sustaining country.

Speaking to reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, he said MITI will be increasing its focus on the manufacturing and smart agriculture industries.

He also called upon the states to provide a wish list towards boosting their respective economies.

“Not all states have the same needs, some might need expertise in high technology, some might not,” he said, adding that the states are also jointly responsible in attracting investors to set up their business in the country.

Meanwhile, Leiking said according to Malaysia External Trade Development Corp, Malaysia’s trade surplus recorded double-digit growth last year.

In 2019, it grew by 11% to RM137.39 billion from RM123.78 billion recorded in 2018.

However, total trade declined 2.5% to RM1.84 trillion last year due to the softer global demand as a result of trade tensions and unfavourable external economic conditions. Exports also fell by 1.7% to RM986.4 billion and imports eased by 3.5% to RM849.01 billion.

Meanwhile, the ministry will be meeting with industry associations to gauge the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak on their businesses today, and to obtain their views and suggestions on the measures that the government could put in place to help mitigate the impact. — Bernama