Malaysia has achieved significant progress in developing its economy, despite the difficult and volatile external environment in recent years. Challenges remain resulting from persistently high crude oil prices, rising global interest rates and increasing competition from China, India and other emerging regional economies.

In spite of this, Malaysia’s growth in 2006 has been broad-based, led by the services, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Our economy is also buoyed by the continuing strong domestic demand and expanding trade-related activities.

Going forward the economic growth momentum in 2006 is expected to continue into 2007 at a stronger pace as domestic economic fundamentals continue to strengthen.

As our Government is committed to the roll-out and implementation of the 9th Malaysian Plan (9MP), the private sector should actively pursue the business opportunities arising from the initiatives of the Government in areas such as the modernising of the agriculture sector and the services sector particularly the ICT, Tourism, Education, Health and Banking sectors.

I would like to thank the Malaysian Tourism Board for the contribution of their article on Visit Malaysia Year 2007. MASSA is pleased to join hands with our Government to promote this campaign for 2007.

MASSA is also grateful for the continuing Government support, especially from MITI, MIDA, MATRADE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Malaysian diplomatic missions in the developing countries.

To all MASSA members and the Executive Committee members of MASSA, I thank you for your valuable participation and contribution to the Association and wish you and your family Season’s Greetings and a successful 2007.

TAN SRI DATO’ AZMAN HASHIM
President