Saudi Arabia envoy wants more Malaysian-made cars to enter the kingdom

Although trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have improved, there was still room for expansion such as in the automotive sector, its Ambassador to Malaysia Fahad Abdullah Al-Rashid said.

He said that it would be good if Malaysian-made cars could further penetrate the Saudi market, apart from food ingredients like palm oil and halal products.

"There are Proton cars in Saudi Arabia but the number is limited and we hope it will increase in the future because the product is good," the envoy told Bernama in a recent interview held at the Saudi embassy here.

Reports said that Riyadh-based Al-Rashed & Al-Thunayan Auto Co is Proton’s exclusive distributor in Saudi Arabia, appointed by Proton since 2006. In 2008 Proton Persona hits Saudi Arabia market after selling well two of its previous models Proton Waja and Proton Gen 2.

Al-Rashid also said that he hoped trade relations could be elevated to the next level with the visit of Saudi Arabian Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah within the next three months.

Dr Al-Rabiah is expected to discuss on how to improve trade relations and examine any problems if any in expanding bilateral trade.

"We have high hopes on this visit, especially in expanding bilateral trade because trade relations are not at the same level as diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia," he explained.

In this regard, he urged traders of both countries to visit each other's country and participate in any trade exhibitions held either in Malaysia or Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, trade between the two nations rose 30 per cent to US$4.0 billion in 2014 from US$3.0 billion in 2013.

The ambassador said that the official figures for 2015 have yet to be released.

He said that Malaysia imported petrochemical and food from Saudi Arabia and exported mostly electronic goods to the kingdom.