KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia External Trade DevelopmentCorporation (MATRADE) is organising a Specialised Marketing Mission (SMM)to Russia, Poland and Hungary from May 31 to June 11 this year.

In a statement here Wednesday, MATRADE said the mission was aimed atexpanding Malaysia's exports to Russia and Central Europe.

A group of Malaysian companies manufacturing various types of productssuch as rubber products, palm oil, wooden furniture, cocoa and coconutbased products will participate in the mission.

During the trip, individual business meetings between Malaysians and localbusinessmen as well as briefings on the business opportunities will bearranged it said. Visits will also be made to related organisations andcompanies.

Malaysia's total trade with Russia amounted to RM1.7 billion last year, anincrease by 30.7 percent from RM1.3 billion in 2002.

Exports to Russia increased by 46.7 percent to RM953 million and the mainexport items were palm oil, electric and electronic products, iron andsteel and processed food.

Malaysia's total trade with Poland meanwhile rose to RM475 million lastyear from RM404 million in 2002.

Exports to Poland increased by 43.3 percent to RM284 million and mainlyconsisted of electrical and electronic products, textiles and clothing,rubber products, machinery, appliances and parts, and chemicals andchemicals products.

Total trade with Hungary meanwhile went up to RM819 million in 2003 fromRM500 million in 2002.

Exports to Hungary increased by 67.5 percent to RM691 million, with themain products being electrical and electronic goods, machinery, appliancesand parts, optical and scientific equipment and also wood products.

Malaysian exporters wishing to capitalise on the opportunities through thetrade visit, have been urged by MATRADE to participate in the mission.

Interested parties could call Marina Yusof at 03-26947259 ext 325 or emailto marina@matrade.gov.my before April 30.