KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Mexim) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia (Indonesia Eximbank) to strengthen cooperation in investment and financing

In a joint statement today, they said business relationships between the parties will be strengthened while fostering mutual understanding and close coordination through an exchange of information, experiences and business connections.

The parties also recognised the growth potential and investment opportunities between Malaysia and Indonesia, and are keen to maintain an active dialogue and streamlined communication channel for referrals of projects of mutual interest.

They will also explore training and secondment opportunities in credit, risk underwriting, and documentation, on top of considering joint client outreach programmes to facilitate bilateral trade growth.

At the signing event, Mexim was represented by president/chief executive officer Arshad Ismail, while Indonesia Eximbank was represented by its executive director Riyani Tirtoso.

The event was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Mexim chairman Datuk Azman Mahmud in attendance.

"MEXIM and Indonesia Eximbank share a relationship that we hope to take to greater heights as we value the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen the cooperation we have with them.

"I consider Indonesia Eximbank a particularly important partner and look forward to maintaining an active dialogue and communication channel for continued business and referral projects,” said Arshad.

Meanwhile, Riyani said the MoU will enable the two institutions to overcome economic development challenges by providing market-oriented innovative products in a sustainable manner from economic, social and environmental aspects.

"This collaboration also aims to increase the capacity of both parties so that Indonesia and Malaysia are able to open wider market access, which is not only between these two countries, but we will also work together to unlock markets with other countries.

"Together, we will support business investment and remain resilient in a competitive market,” she said.

Mexim was established to provide credit financing, export credit takaful, guarantee services, and facilities to support exports and imports of goods, services and overseas projects and investments with an emphasis on non-traditional markets.

On the other hand, Indonesia Eximbank’s main objective is to boost national export growth and assist exporters in expanding their business capacity.

Both banks are wholly owned by their respective governments. — Bernama