Tuesday November 3, 2009
Gear up for second phase of roadmap, Malaysia urges D-8 countries
By NURBAITI HAMDAN
KUALA LUMPUR: The Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries (D-8) must shed its reputation as a “talk shop” and emerge as a grouping that contributes towards the progress of economic growth and socio-economic development of its member countries.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (pic) said it was time for the D-8 to gear itself into the second phase of the D-8 roadmap to turn its plans into tangible and viable business projects for the private sector to pursue.
“Our determination in underlining specific ac-tion plans and list of priorities will benefit us in identifying and implementing activities to help us realise the objectives of D-8,” said Anifah in his welcoming statement at the D-8 Foreign Ministers meeting here yesterday.
“Malaysia is of the view that the D-8 Plan of Action needs a clear focus and it should be prioritised based on member countries’ interests and needs.
“Fulfilling member countries’ needs through the consensus decision-making process should be the first criterion in the selection of programmes and activities. In doing so, it holds a higher probability of attracting governments and the private sector interest,” he added.
Anifah added that the D-8 Commissioners had listed trade as the top priority for the grouping’s co-operation, hence it was of vital importance that member countries ratified the Preferential Trade Agree-ment, Agreement on Customs Co-operation and Agreement on Simpli-fication of Visa for D8 businessmen.
“In this regard, continuous engagement and collaboration amongst us would lead to considerable benefits for all eight countries,” he said.
During a press conference later, Anifah said the group had agreed to host an exchange programme of young diplomats, planned in Egypt in January.
Under the programme, each member country will send two diplomats for a two-week programme for a familiarisation visit to a particular host country to know more about the social and cultural aspects of the country.
“It’s pertinent and relevant that our young diplomats should get to know each other better in furtherance to our efforts in all co-operation mentioned,” he added.
The D8 was established on June 15 1997 in Istanbul, Turkey. Its members comprise Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey with a combined population of 900 million.
Nigeria is slated to take over the chairmanship from Malaysia next year.
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