KUALA LUMPUR: Overall Malaysia’s business performance is expected to continue at strong pace given that overall business confidence registered double digit growth for three consecutive quarters, according to the Business Tendency Survey. MIDF Research said business confidence in the first-quarter of 2018 was at 12.3 per cent, slightly lower than seven-year high of 14 per cent recorded in the previous quarter. MIDF Research pointed out that the current account balance jumped to RM40.3 billion in 2017 from RM29.0 billion in prior year. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s exports advanced 18.9 per cent in 2017 and trade surplus widened by 10.3 per cent to RM97.25 billion. We foresee upbeat momentum in global trade activities will continue and supported with gradual rise in commodity prices as well as receding of protectionism threat.”MIDF is optimistic about Malaysia’s external trade performance this year, expecting it to continue expanding at steady pace.

Source: New Strait Times March 04, 2018 08:26 UTC