MISC Berhad is gearing to refocus its liner business in Asia next year, with India as its priority, largely spurred by significant growth of the sector.

By increasing more ports of call in India and the South Asia region, MISC is looking to position itself as the preferred carrier in the intra-Asia and Oceania region.

'We are expanding in key strategic markets and will focus more on intra-Asian trade, India and China.

'Freight is growing in this region. We will be looking more to the Indian sub-continent as well,' Baharuddin Arbak, MISC vice-president (Liner Business) said in Delhi.

Earlier this year, MISC signed a joint venture agreement with Crescent Shipping Agency India Ltd, its third party agent, to form MISC Agencies India Pvt Ltd, to spearhead its Indian operations.

In October, MISC added another milestone when the carrier connected the two major growing economies -- China and India -- with its Halal Express Service 2.

Its first vessel arrived in Chennai Port in late October.

'This service offers the fastest transit to China from the east coast of India, in nine days to Shanghai, as against the other lines offering 13 days.

'This revised halal service loops two promises to be a mega success,' said Capt. B. Mahapatra, general manager of MISC Agencies India.

On Friday MISC India opened its new office in Delhi, the second after its Mumbai headquarters.

Besides India, the Malaysia-based carroer, plans to intensify its existing services in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka next year.--Bernama