Greetings from MASSA !

In this August newsletter, we feature the Republic of Zambia. We thank the good office of the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia for their insights to bring to readers information on the Republic of Zambia, focusing on its economy and business opportunities. The Country Feature had highlighted the investment climate of Zambia, and the potential for investment into its key sectors in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and energy.

The August edition also reports on MASSA’s engagements and collaborations with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) where MASSA had participated in a seminar organised by BMCCI on the Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur on 1 June 2023 and a series of online discussions with BMCCI on 14 June and 17 July 2023. These series of engagements were organised with the aim to inform the Malaysian business community about the latest trends, developments and business opportunities with and in Bangladesh, and to promote the 6^th Showcase Malaysia 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 6^th Showcase Malaysia is a celebration of Malaysian products and services, and an opportunity for Malaysian businesses to explore the Bangladesh economy.

MASSA also had a series of meetings recently, which included a meeting with the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia on 3 May 2023, with the BMCCI leadership on 2 June 2023 and with the Undersecretary of the International Cooperation and Development Division (ICADD), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia 15 June 2023. The discussions at these meetings, centred on areas where MASSA can collaborate, support and or complement the respective initiatives of the aforenamed offices. Our engagement with ICADD also resulted in a discussion between ICADD, MASSA and the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor Leste on 3 August 2023 to explore business opportunities in the nation as it prepares to integrate into the ASEAN membership.

We want to thank our members, ex-officio, contributors, and partners for your support to date. MASSA remains committed to present to members, trade and investment leads from the South-South countries, especially in light of the post-pandemic era that would require renewed efforts of cooperation from all levels to prepare businesses for the opportunities and challenges forthcoming.

In view of this, several events to keep an eye out for are in the works. One event we wish to highlight, and encourage readers to register and participate in is a Webinar Series on ESG for Malaysian businesses. This is a joint collaboration between MASSA, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and the Malaysian Association of Public Advocacy for Nature (MAPAN) on 22 September and 10 November 2023. Do look for our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my.

We look forward to meet members at MASSA’s upcoming events.

Thank you.

Ng Su Fun

Editorial MASSA