Source: The Star newspaper – Published: Friday September 3, 2010 MYT 12:04:00 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s rubber industry outlook is expected to improve this year as glovemakers draw an additional RM400 million in investments in 2010 and exports expanded. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed told reporters on Friday that the glove industry has seen a strong performance this year. He added that rubber-product exports is expected to reach RM11.1 billion this year on the back of an improving outlook.
Govt eyes more private investments in rubber sector
Source: Saturday September 4, 2010 (The Star newspaper)
KUALA LUMPUR: The government aims to attract more private investments in the rubber and its related industries as the sector is important for the country amid its bullish outlook.
Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, said exports of rubber and its related products jumped 30% to RM9.23bil in the first half of 2010 from RM6.9bil in the same period last year.
“So far in 2010, RM425.8mil in investments, mainly domestic, have been made specifically by the rubber glove segment,†he said after a dialogue session with industry representatives yesterday.
Mustapa said by 2020, the rubber glove industry was expected to generate RM30bil in revenue from RM10bil now.
He said Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia remained the top rubber producers in the world.
“Therefore, the government is committed to develop the rubber and rubber-based industry and make Malaysia the favourable destination for private investments, both for domestic and foreign investors,†he said.