Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak has called for a better understanding among the member countries of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) about opportunities among themselves to increase intra trade to 20 percent by 2015.

In his address at the OIC World Biz and OIC-Asia Trade & Economic Forum hosted by the country, read out by Mustapha Mohamad, his minister for international trade and industry, he also announced the opening of the country's trade center in Doha, on the lines its facility in Dubai.

“There is a clear indication that the Muslim world is emerging as a new global target for international corporates,” said Razak, who is currently on a visit to the United States. “With a population of about 1.6 billion, the Muslim market represents a high-level of economic power, population growth and propensity to consume.”

Malaysia, a hub of Islamic banking and finance, also wants to become a hub of tourism, education and health care for which separate conferences are being held at the four-day summit attended by some 900 business delegates and policymakers from 35 countries.

“Various government agencies are on hand to provide funding and commercialization support to investors, especially from OIC member states,” he said seeking cooperation in sectors like financial services, oil and gas, halal industry, wholesale and retail businesses.

Mustapha Mohammed said the country would improve its presence in the UAE, Qatar and Oman through its trade promotion centers. He also formally inaugurated the event on behalf of the prime minister.

Held in collaboration with the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) and the League of Arab States, the summit is aimed at exploring ways to increase the intra-trade in various sectors and to help stabilize the Muslim economy.

The UAE is Malaysia's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with the bilateral trade going up from $6.8 billion 2011 to $8.0 billion in 2012. The country has identified education, electronics and energy for expanding trade links with the UAE.

Mohamad said Malaysia was exploring new markets as part of the country’s efforts to become a most developed nation by 2020.

In his special address, El Hassane HZaine, director general of OIC's Morocco-based Islamic Centre for Development and Trade, said other OIC countries should emulate Malaysia in promoting value added businesses to increase intra trade activities.