Thailand, Malaysia urged to cooperate to tap economic potential of creative industry

BANGKOK: Malaysia and Thailand should work together to tap the huge potential in the creative industry to boost economic growth of both countries, urged Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said creative industries were becoming an increasingly important economic sector that can contribute significantly to the country's revenue.

"Malaysia and Thailand have a wide range of creative products which needs to be harnessed to contribute to the country's economic growth.

"Creative industries are not only for pastime and hobbies. We must make it available and give economic returns," he said.

Annuar who was here on a four-day working visit said this on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT)'s "Newsline" programme that was aired on Wednesday night.

The Communications and Multimedia Minister also emphasised on the role that communications and multimedia cooperation can play to further strenghten Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok bilateral relations.

He said Malaysia and Thailand enjoy long and good relations not only at the government-to-government level but also among the peoples of the two nations.

"We should continue to strengthen the cooperation. We should enrich ourselves by improving and creating opportunities through cooperation.

"ASEAN, for example, as a region has huge potential in terms of economy, culture, education and information. All we need to do is encourage more bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

"For that reason, I am here (in Thailand). I would like to futher build on the good relationship between Thailand and Malaysia because I can foresee huge potential for us to do so for the betterment of our people," he said.

On a related development, Annuar said Malaysia is keen to review several memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked with Thailand several years ago to deepen cooperation in various fields.

"I tell (my) officials in various agencies to revisit the MoU. Give new lease of life and it should include the latest experience and opportunities. It should not be just a document but (it) take us to the next level," he said.

He also urged industry players in ASEAN to capitalise on the rapid growth of the digital world to drive the region forward.

"In ASEAN, we have creative people, resources and everything. Let's put things together and be global players," he said.

-- BERNAMA