As two fast-developing Muslim states
with strategic locations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia; Iran and
Malaysia have set their sights on closer cooperation in all fields. Kuala
Lumpur’s exemplary development record –must successful amongst all
Organization of the Islamic Conference members– has allowed it to expand its
economic infrastructure and emerge not only as a successful Muslim country but
as a heavyweight in Southeast Asia.
Trade ties between the two states have
also seen a rise. Bilateral trade stood at $327 million in 2001, with Iran’s
share of that trade volume being no more than $149 million. Iran seeks to push
the figure up to the $500 million mark on a yearly basis. This trade included
electronics and of course oil and gas.
Tourism is another success story in
Malaysia, which hosted over seven million tourists last year. Authorities are
trying to secure a 10-million-tourists-a-year objective in three years’ time.
In 1981 Malaysia was burdened with $30 billion in foreign debts. Today it
earns $80 billion in hard currency. All in all, Malaysia provides Iran with
excellent economic, commercial and technological patterns to follow.
