Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA 

The global economy in 1H2023 appeared poised for a soft landing and gradual recovery from the blows of the pandemic and of Russia-Ukraine War. Supply-chain disruptions are unwinding, and the disruptions to energy and food markets are ebbing. Concurrently, the tightening of monetary policy by most central banks should start to bear fruit, with inflation tempering toward its targets.

Below the surface, however, indicators suggest that expectations should be tempered, as banking volatility and financial turbulence remain in the foreground. According to the OECD’s and IMF they anticipate global GDP growth to range between 2.7-2.8% in 2023.

The pace of expansion of the Malaysian economy is expected to moderate due to headwinds that include the uncertain global outlook, inflationary pressures, financial tightening, slower external demand and extreme climate occurrences. Nevertheless, some of the tailwinds for the Malaysian economy include the gradual recovery of international tourism arrivals with the reopening of international borders. Tourism Malaysia is targeting 16.1 million international visitor arrivals for 2023, a 60% increase compared with the estimated 10.1 million international visitor arrivals in 2022. Additionally, the decision of a number of electronics multinationals to invest in large-scale new projects in the nation also favourably attest to Malaysia’s competitiveness and position as a global hub for electronics, manufacturing, and services amongst others.

Given the global considerations, Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals remain intact. The growth of the Malaysian economy in the first quarter of 2023 registered 5.6%, which is in line with our Government’s projection for Malaysia to achieve real GDP growth for the year 2023 to be between 4.0 – 5.0%.

The imperative for businesses to adopt ESG-compliant approaches and solutions continues to be underscored by the Government. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported that between 2021 – September 2022, a total of RM4.9 billion in green technology projects had been approved. The business opportunities and economic spillover benefits of ESG adoption indicate a new front for businesses to leverage alongside digitalisation and digital transformation. We look forward to the Government’s policy approach for industries particularly under the National Carbon Policy, the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2023 and the i-ESG Framework when they are announced.

MASSA held its 32nd Annual General Meeting on a hybrid basis on 28 June 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members for their service from the term 2021-2023, in particular, I would like to place on record MASSA’s appreciation to Datuk Lim Fung Chee and Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid for their services as Vice-President and Member of the Executive Committee respectively.

I also take this occasion to congratulate and welcome the Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members who have been elected to serve the Association till 2025. In particular, I would like to thank Datuk T Y Lee, Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin and Datuk Merlyn Kasimir for agreeing to serve as Vice-President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Assistant Secretary respectively, and to the new Members of the Executive Committee, Mr Arshad Ismail, Mr Lee Chun Fai and Mr Chang Yii Tan.

During the 32^nd AGM, MASSA reaffirmed its mission to bridge the South-South, and to complement the Government’s initiatives to enhance ties and business linkages with developing countries by continuing to engage and collaborate with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra).

I appreciate the continuing support of all Members with your involvement at our regular meetings and events. I also wish to thank article and feature contributors from across the MASSA network, who have provided valuable and insightful articles for our newsletters and not forgetting the sponsors of our website.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
1 August 2023

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies with a population of 19.6 million people. The country, which sits on 752,618 square kilometres (over double the size of Malaysia), is blessed with abundant natural resources and vegetation, a diversity of wildlife, magnificent landscapes, and is home to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Image 1: Zambia’s location in the heart of Southern Africa

The country has very stable Macroeconomic Fundamentals with a growing GDP of about US$21 billion, inflation of 9.9% per annum and the local currency is performing very well against the United States Dollar and other major world-convertible currencies, appreciating by over 18.5% from January 1 to September 2022.

Zambia has proven to be a strategic hub for trade and investment due to its central location with eight neighbouring countries. Zambia is a member of the regional and continental economic communities that the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Further, Zambia is well known as a haven of investments due to its unmatched investment climate, attractive investment incentives, ease of doing business, and investor-friendly policies supported by consistent policies and stable political will, rule of law, and peace that the country has enjoyed since her independence in 1964.

Economic Fundamentals

Official Language:    English

Main Languages:     Bemba, Tonga, Chichewa, Lozi, Kaonde, Luvale, Lunda

Population (2022):   19.6 million

GDP Per Capita:     USD 1,137.6 (World Bank 2021)

GDP 2021:              USD 22.15B (World Bank 2021)

Government:           Presidential Republic; Multi-Party Democracy

Unemployment:       13% (World Bank 2022)

Literacy:                  86.8% (2018)

Inflation:                  9.9%

 
Image 2: Map of Zambia

Zambia’s Business Environment

Zambia ranked 1st in Africa & 4th globally for Ease of Getting Credit in the 2020 project which provides objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies and selected cities at the subnational and regional level. The country boasts highly attractive Government securities and has a high rate of return on investment in Government bonds & bills. This is mainly due to conducive Governance, a skilled labour force and a good logistical network which helps facilitate international trade through implementation of web-based customs data management platform, ASYCUDA World, for easier exporting and importing. The wide network coverage includes 91% Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Fig. 1: Recorded Investment 2018 to 2022 (US Dollar Billions)

Fig. 2: Recorded Investment by Sector 2018 to 2022 (US Dollar Millions)

Economic growth has been stable in Zambia which has elevated it to the 6th largest economy in SADC and to becoming an attractive investment destination. The figures below indicate Zambia’s investment and trade performance between 2018 and 2022.

Fig. 3: Zambia’s Trade 2018 to 2022

The main trade contributors in Zambia are highlighted in the table below.

Table 1: Major Exports and Imports with their Markets

Investment Sectors

Currently, the priority sectors for investment are manufacturing, mining and mineral beneficiation, agriculture, energy, information communication technology, infrastructure and tourism.

Foreign and local investors in priority sectors are eligible to qualify for certain predetermined incentives and this is administered through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). In addition, investors that setup in a Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) or industrial park are eligible for additional tax incentives. Incentives come in the form of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is Zambia’s premier economic development Agency with a multifaceted mandate of promoting and facilitating trade, investment and enterprise development in the country. The Agency is also responsible for building and enhancing the country’s investment profile for increased capital inflows, capital formation, employment creation and growth of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector.

Among the key services provided include:

• • Issuance of investment and MFEZ/IP Permits
• • Participation and facilitation in regional and international trade and investment fairs, exhibitions and missions;
• • Participation and facilitation of business summits, conferences, workshops and business to business meetings;
• • Facilitation of joint-venture partnerships and business match-making events between buyers and sellers
• • Provision of export market information
• • Developing Export Readiness of the Zambian enterprises, especially MSMEs to meet international customers’ requirements and needs, and compliance standards as well as norms
• • Building the general business capacities of the entrepreneurs (the exporter and potential exporters)
• • Product development to enable Zambian products meet international buyers’ requirements in terms of quality,
• • Product Development
• • Market and financial Linkages/Access
• • Provision of Business Information and Market Intelligence e.g. identification of market opportunities and market access requirements;
• • Provision of after care Services, Business Clinics and advisory services

The following Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) and Industrial Parks are currently operational in Zambia:

• • Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone;
• • ZCCZ Chambishi Multi Facility Economic Zone;
• • ZCCZ Lusaka East Multi-Facility Economic;
• • Jiangxi Multi Facility Economic Zone;
• • Kalumbila Multi Facility Economic Zone;
• • Roma Industrial Park; and
• • Sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange Industrial Park

These zones are provided with modern infrastructure in order to attract and facilitate the establishment of world-class enterprises in the country. The MFEZs blend the best features of the free trade zones, export processing zones, and the industrial parks/zones concept. They apply the administrative infrastructure, rules and regulations that are used as a benchmark among dynamic economies. The blending of physical infrastructure with an efficient and effective administrative infrastructure has created the ideal investment environment for attracting major world-class investors.

MINING

Zambia is the world’s eighth largest producer of copper. It produced over 880,000 metric tonnes in 2020 and holds 6% of the world’s known copper reserves. Kansanshi open pit mine is the largest copper mine in Africa, by capacity, Copper and cobalt, the country’s traditional exports, account for well over 70% of export earnings. Zambia’s copper mines are concentrated on the Copperbelt Province. More mines have been established in other parts of the country such as Solwezi and Kalumbila in the North-Western Province, which has seen accelerated growth in recent years and the Government of Zambia has taken note of the tremendous growth potential of this sector and set a target of increasing copper production from the current 800,000 metric tonnes per year, to 3 million metric tonnes per year over the next ten years. Policy revision that has removed double taxation and revised the tax framework, leveraging digital technology in the sector, and addition along the value chain will see more investment in the sector and make the target more achievable. The signing of an MOU between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo leveraging regional resources towards a value chain for electronic vehicle battery manufacturing, as well as the $350 million investment by KoBold Metals to introduce Artificial Intelligence into

Other mineral endowments include gold, zinc, lead, iron ore, manganese, nickel, feldspar, sands, talc, barite, apatite, limestone, dolomite, uranium, coal, and gemstones (e.g. diamonds, emeralds, aquamarine, topaz, opal, agate and amethysts). Notably, Zambia produces over 20% of the world’s emeralds and has the capacity to increase its production. This extensive range of mineral resources, including a variety of industrial minerals and energy resources such as uranium, coal and hydrocarbons, presents investors with excellent opportunities, especially in the area of extraction and processing.

Zambia’s endowment of mineral resources is substantial, although the full potential of known deposits is yet to be realized. A 2013 World Bank geological analysis suggested that Zambia’s copper deposits were larger than previously estimated, signalling massive exploration potential. This potential is starting to be realized through recent exploration for oil and gas. Thirty Eight (38) exploration blocks have been demarcated in Zambia with twelve (12) of these blocks having been issued with licenses.

Since the privatization of the mines ended in 2000, approximately $17.50 billion has been invested in the sector by about 278 enterprises with large-scale copper mining accounting for more than 90% of these investments. In 2019, mining accounted for 9.9% of GDP, 26.7% of Government revenue, 2.4% of direct employment and 77% of exports.

Even with so much investment in the sector, existing mines have only scratched the surface of the mineral wealth yet to be mined with an estimated 61% of the country having been mapped and exploration in nickel, uranium, coal, geothermal, oil and gas still ongoing. Government policy is tailored to the promotion of value addition to minerals such as copper through the introduction of incentives such as a preferential corporate tax rate of 15% for companies that add value to copper cathodes, compared to the standard 35% for other non-incentivized firms.

AGRICULTURE

Image 3: Palm Oil Plantation in Zambia’s Muchinga Province

Agriculture plays an important role in Zambia’s economy, contributing about 13% to the country’s GDP. Zambia is endowed with a vast arable land resource base of 42 million hectares of arable land, of which only 1.5 million hectares is cultivated every year. It has abundant water resources for irrigation, which account for 40% of the water resources in the SADC region. Given this vast resource endowment, Zambia has huge potential to expand its agricultural production. Its climate is that of a tropical savannah, experiencing rainy seasons between the months of November and April. The dry season is characterized by low humidity between the months of May and November. The average temperature in the summer is 36°C and gets as low as 5°C in the winter, which suitable for both traditional and winter crops.

Despite the availability of vast arable land, transport infrastructure, large water resources and affordable labour – the agricultural sector employs more than half of the total labour force – only 10% of arable land is under cultivation. In that regard, the Government has established farming blocks to facilitate investment in agriculture. 100,000 hectares of land has been set aside in each province to make a total of 1 million hectares countrywide for the establishment of the farming blocks.

Zambia’s traditional crops include maize, cassava, wheat, sorghum, rice, sunflowers, groundnuts, soya beans, mixed beans, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tobacco. A lucrative cashew nut sub sector in has also been built in the western part of the country.

The Government is currently driving the enhancement of value addition by promoting agro-processing through programmes such as the Zambia Agri-business and Trade Project (ZATP). Agro-processing opportunities in Zambia are in peanut butter production, cashew nut processing, animal or stock feed production, cassava processing, grain milling, edible oil production, fruit canning, juice extraction, meat, dairy and leather production, fish canning, textiles, bio-diesel production, and honey processing.

MANUFACTURING

Zambia has a well-developed market economy. Its strong economic performance over the years is testimony to the nation’s open, outward-oriented development strategy. Like most global economies, Zambia’s was not spared from the negative effects of the COVID -19 global pandemic and other external shocks such as volatile commodity prices emanating from disruptions in global supply chains. However, GDP rebounded to positive figures yielding 4.7% growth in 2022.

Currently, the main manufacturing activities in Zambia are in the following industries:

1) Food and beverages;

2) Textile and leather industries;

3) Wood and wood products;

4) Paper and paper products

5) Chemicals, rubber and plastic products

6) Non-metallic mineral products;

7) Basic metal products; and

8) Fabricated metal products.

The top destinations for Zambian exports are China ($2.14bn), India ($719m), South Africa ($486m), United Arab Emirates ($392m), and Belgium-Luxemburg ($297m). Other significant markets outside Africa include Netherlands and Switzerland as well as Europe and North America through the EBA Initiative and AGOA respectively.

Zambia has traditionally been an importer of finished manufactured commodities and an exporter of primary commodities. This points to a deficit of manufactured products within the Country, thereby highlighting opportunities for investment in sub-sectors such as:

• • Agro-processing;
• • Pharmaceutical products;
• • Assembly of machinery and equipment;
• • Cement;
• • Packaging materials;
• • Fertilizers;
• • Textiles; and
• • Tobacco products, to mention a few.

TOURISM

The tourism industry has grown steadily over the years, with the establishment of hotels in the major tourist centres such as Livingstone and Lusaka. There is vast unexploited potential in the sector in Zambia due to its natural beauty, including its wealth of wildlife and the Victoria Falls, which is one of the most renowned Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The country boasts over twenty awe inspiring waterfalls that make Zambia a hub of waterfalls and a must for adventure enthusiasts; waterfalls which include Kalambo, Ngonye, Chishimba, Chipempe, Ntumbachushi, Kabwelume, Mumbuluma, Lumangwe, Chipoma, Kundalila, and Ngonye, amongst others.

Zambia has 20 national parks and 34 game management areas, with a total of 23 million hectares of land set aside for wildlife conservation. Also, the country has numerous museums that house priceless historical artifacts such as the Lusaka National Museum, Moto-Moto Museum, and Livingstone Museum. Another attraction is the traditional ceremonies that take place at different times of the year where the country’s rich cultural heritage is displayed. Lastly, the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife have led to the growth of a tourism sub-sector in the film industry. Concessions are provided to movie production companies for shooting films or documentaries.

Image 4: Thrilling activities in Livingstone

In order to support the tourism sector, Government has continued to build supporting infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges, and to facilitate the expansion of the service industry. Since this is a priority sector, investment attracts both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Therefore, the bulk of investment opportunities in the sector are in services offered to tourists such as accommodation, restaurants, entertainment facilities, sports facilities, and safaris/game watching, to mention a few.

Zambia is also positioned as a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and has in the recent past been an attractive destination hosting global dignitaries and celebrities as well as regional and global events and festivals.

ENERGY

Of the installed 2,898MW electricity generation capacity of Zambia, hydro power is the most important energy source with 2,398MW (83%), followed by diesel and coal. Zambia has about 6,000MW of unexploited hydro power potential due to its abundant water resources, providing an opportunity for investment in hydro power generation. The demand for electricity has been growing at an average rate of 4% per annum, mainly due to economic activity overall but particularly in the agriculture, manufacturing, and mining sectors. The country’s growing population has also led to an increase in the demand for other sources of energy such as petroleum and solar energy for transportation and domestic use, especially in rural areas. The state-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Cooperation (ZESCO) Ltd is the only entity that generates and transmits power, while companies such as the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) procuring power from ZESCO to sell to the mines.

In addition to water resources, Zambia has abundant renewable and non-renewable resources including:

1) Industrial minerals such as coal;

2) Agricultural land to support bio-fuels;

3) Ample forests for bio-mass;

 4) Abundant wind;

5) Sunlight for solar power;

6) Abundant hot springs for geothermal energy; and

7) Uranium for nuclear power

There are currently massive exploration missions being undertaken in Northern and Luapula Provinces to ascertain Zambia’s potential for oil and gas drilling. Investment in this sector attracts fiscal and non-fiscal incentives espoused in the ZDA Act.

Image 5: The 54MWB Bangweulu solar power plant located in Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone

Some of Zambia’s profiled investment projects can be found here:

https://investment.unido.org/ACP/projects?Country=82

Prepared by:
High Commission of the Republic of Zambia in Kuala Lumpur
info@zhckl.com.my

‣ President’s Statement

‣ Editorial

‣ Country Feature: Republic of Zambia

‣ Diary of Events

‣ 3 May 2023
Meeting with the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia

‣ 1 June 2023
Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh

‣ 2 June 2023
Meeting between Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and MASSA

‣ 14 June 2023
Online Discussion on “Enhancing Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Relations” on 14 June and 17 July 2023 jointly hosted by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) and MASSA

‣ 15 June 2023
Meeting with International Cooperation and Development Division (ICADD) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra)

‣ 28 June 2023
32nd Annual General Meeting of MASSA
[Read here: MASSA Annual Report 2022-2023]

‣ 3 August 2023
Discussion on the Business Opportunities in Timor Leste

‣ Forthcoming Events

(from left-to-right)
Mr Syed Almas Kabir, President, BMCCI, H.E. Imran Ahmad, M.P., Minister of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Mr Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial), High Commission of Bangladesh to Malaysia.

(from left-to-right)
H.E. Imran Ahmad, M.P., Minister of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial), High Commission of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Mr Syed Almas Kabir (back-turned), President, BMCCI, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and Mr Md Akther Parvez Chowdhury, Honorary Consul of Malaysia High Commission to Bangladesh (Chittagong) & Managing Director of PHP Automobile Limited.

A group photo of the role-players.
(from left-to-right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Mr Idzham Abdul Hamid, Director, Central, West, South Asia & Africa Section, MATRADE, Mr Md Akther Parvez Chowdhury, Honorary Consul of Malaysia High Commission to Bangladesh (Chittagong) & Managing Director of PHP Automobile Limited, Mr Mohammad Khorshed A Khastagir, Acting High Commissioner, Bangladesh High Commission Kuala Lumpur, H.E. Imran Ahmad, M.P., Minister of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr Syed Almas Kabir, President, BMCCI, Mr Norsyahrin Hamidon, President, DPMM, Mr Syed Moinuddin Ahmed, Treasurer, BMCCI and Mr Syed A Habib, Chairman, Organising Committee for 6th Showcase Malaysia 2023 & Director, BMCCI.

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Mr Syed Almas Kabir, President, BMCCI delivered the Welcome Remarks.

 

Mr Norsyahrin Hamidon, President, DPMM delivered the Welcome Address.

 

Mr Syed Almas Kabir, President, BMCCI presented a Keynote Paper titled “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh”.

---

 

 The session then proceeded to a panel discussion on the Keynote Paper.

 

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Guest of Honour, Mr Mohammad Khorshed A Khastagir, Acting High Commissioner, Bangladesh High Commission Kuala Lumpur delivered his address.

(from left-to-right)
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA, Mr Hasanur Rahman Chowdhury, Executive Secretary, BMCCI, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Mr Syed Almas Kabir, President, BMCCI, Mr Mahbub Alam Shah, Director and Mr Moon Mondal Rajib, Member, BMCCI

From left-to-right:
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Mr Devrin Jeck, Undersecretary, ICADD, Department of Multilateral Affairs, Wisma Putra, Mr Mogen Selvaraja, Assistant Secretary, Department of Multilateral Affairs, Wisma Putra and Ms Nur Syuhaida, Secretariat, MASSA.

 

The MASSA 2022 – 2023 Annual Report can be read here:

‣ President’s Statement

‣ Editorial

‣ Country Feature: Republic of Tajikistan

– Malaysia and Central Asia – A Cursory Glance at Cooperation and Interaction

– Country Feature: Republic of Tajikistan

‣ Diary of Events (December 2022 – March 2023)

‣ 20 December 2022
Courtesy Call from MIDA Domestic Investment Division on MASSA

‣ 21 December 2022
Meeting with the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI)

‣ 21 February 2023
MASSA Visit to the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI)

‣ 23 February 2023
Courtesy Call from H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand on MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim

‣ 14 March 2023
MASSA-EXIM Bank Business Briefing & Networking Session with Central Asia

‣ Forthcoming Events

MASSA Forthcoming Events

a. 5 December 2024 — iDeas Xchange 2024/2025 Series: First Series of the Start-up Meet-up & Sharing Session on 5 December 2024

b. 15 January 2025 — Webinar: Timor Leste & ASEAN: Overview & Business Opportunities in Timor Leste for Malaysia

For more information, please contact the MASSA Secretariat at
mail@massa.net.my / massamssc@gmail.com

Read the latest edition of the MASSA e-Newsletter by clicking HERE

5 DECEMBER 2024: MASSA-KolaXus-MAJECA’s iDeas Xchange 2024/2025 Series: First Series of the Start-up Meet-up & Sharing Session on 5 December 2024

The Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), KolaXus and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) will be organizing a Start-up Meet-up & Sharing Session Series.

This Series aims to bring together the members of MAJECA & its co-organisers and the business community to network with selected innovative startup founders & entrepreneurs, to explore opportunity to do business and to partner up strategically in the growing startup ecosystem in Malaysia and beyond. The organisers aim to create & build a platform for the sharing & exchange of innovative ideas and insights.

Each session in this five-part series for 2024/2025 will delve into themes such as:

• • Emerging Technologies
• • Cross-Border Partnerships
• • Growth-Stage Startups
• • Sustainable Development & Social Impact
• • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

This kick-off event in the series will spotlight the opportunity for growth-stage tech startups to showcase their innovative solutions and business models, and explore collaboration opportunities.

This Series will have its first event on 5 December 2024, details are as follows:

 
Theme: Introducing Tomorrow’s Innovators

Date / Day: Thursday, 5 December 2024

Time: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm (MYT) *Registration will begin at: 2.30 pm

Venue: Bangunan AmBank Group, 55, Jalan Raja Chulan 50200 Kuala Lumpur (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/noayyyHPdfMeNcfK6)

Registration: https://forms.gle/vHYHgP8RxfqfZy439

We encourage members to actively participate in this event to hear from entrepreneurial speakers, discover innovative solutions, explore partnership opportunities, and network with a diverse range of business people. There is no participation fee. However, a prior registration is required. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Secretariat should you need more information.

15 JANUARY 2025: Webinar: Timor Leste & ASEAN: Overview & Business Opportunities in Timor Leste for Malaysia

MASSA is organizing a webinar with the support of the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste, the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) titled “Timor-Leste & ASEAN: Overview & Business Opportunities in Timor-Leste for Malaysia” on the following:

• Date / Day: Wednesday, 15 January 2025
• Time: 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (Malaysian Time)
• Format: Zoom Meeting
• Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkd-2trzgrGtxajTGnL07fd4EHqdLWiCLG#/registration 

Timor-Leste, roughly the size of the state of Kelantan, is situated in Southeast Asia between Indonesia and Australia. In February 2024, Timor-Leste officially became the 166th member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In 2022, Timor-Leste was admitted “in principle” to ASEAN with the country moving towards full membership.

Over the course of the last twenty years, Timor-Leste has warmly welcomed many Malaysian entrepreneurs, who have established and continue to operate their business; and provide employment to a substantial number of Timorese. To date, there are some 200 Malaysian business entities registered in Timor-Leste.

With an abundance of natural resources, Timor-Leste offers a variety of opportunities across industry sectors such as gas & oil resources, renewable energy, fisheries, agriculture and services. For more information on Timor-Leste, you may read MASSA’s feature on Timor-Leste compiled by the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste.

Cognisant of the developments in Timor-Leste, MASSA has tapped on the insights of various expert resource persons amongst others, H.E. Ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste and the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) and Trade Investment Timor-Leste amongst others, to share their insights and observations at this webinar. This 21 August webinar aims to provide an overview and the potential business opportunites in Timor-Leste that Malaysian businesses can tap into.

Mr Yusnee Rahmat Yusof, General Manager Enterprise Development, MRANTI delivered the Welcome Speech.

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA delivered the Opening Speech.

Mr Fikri Ashraf, Senior Executive, Partnership Development, MRANTI delivered a Presentation introducing MRANTI, its aims, mission and role to encourage Research, Development, Commercialisation and Innovation in Malaysia.

Two of MRANTI’s tenant companies were then invited to share their business experiences and, on the support, and assistance provided by MRANTI in developing their business.

Ts. Tharmaindran G, CEO at Bnetworks, IoT Consultant for Property Technology

Mr Daniel Liew Chee Kin, Co-Founder, Sophic MSC

Following that, the participants were brought to visit MRANTI’s MakersLab, a prototyping space equipped with technology, tools and facilitators for guidance and assistance.

The Visit ended with a Networking Luncheon hosted by MRANTI.

Photo Gallery:

MASSA extends its appreciation to the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Commercialisation and Innovation (MRANTI) for hosting the MASSA delegation’s visit to its premises.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MASSA and H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri (right), Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malayisa

Exchange of Gifts

The meeting exchanged insights and shared the business opportunities in the Republic of Tajikistan, and highlighted the economic potential and strategic advantages the nation has.

Recognizing the synergy between the two organisations (MASSA and EXIM Bank) towards promoting and enhancing Malaysia and South-South business linkages, and building on the momentum of the previous year, which celebrated 30 Years of Central Asia – Malaysia Diplomatic Relations, the event was timely as our nations, and the global economy re-open, resume and return in line with the waning of the pandemic.

This session was organised with the aim to feature the Central Asian nations coupled with EXIM Bank’s expertise and knowledge and MASSA’s services as a business association to bring together members, clients, and stakeholders to reconnect with the view towards revitalizing business connections and form trade linkages between Malaysia and Central Asia.

From left to right:

Mr Atai Namatbaev, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic,

H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan,

H.E. Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

En Arshad bin Ismail, President & CEO, EXIM Bank,

H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan,

H.E. Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and

YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Executive Committee Member, MASSA.

The programme was as follows:

En Arshad bin Ismail, President & CEO, EXIM Bank delivered the Welcome Remarks.

YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Executive Committee Member, MASSA delivered the Opening Remarks of YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MASSA.

Pn Zabedah Giw, Acting Chief Strategy Officer, EXIM Bank delivered a Presentation on the Central Asia Market Outlook, Opportunities & Challenges in 2023.

The session then adjourned for a coffee break before resuming with presentations by the representatives from Central Asia.

H.E. Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Mr Atai Namatbaev, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic.

H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Representatives from EXIM Bank then delivered presentations on the Bank’s services and offerings.

Pn Nurbayu Kasim Chang, Chief Business Officer delivered a Presentation titled ‘EXIM Bank’s Financial Offerings for Malaysian Companies: The Value Proposition’

Mr Khoo Kah Jin, Head of Insrance / Takaful delivered a Presentation titled ‘Secure Trading with EXIM Bank’s Trade Credit Insurance & Takaful Proposition: Why Must Your International Business Have It?’.

Token of Appreciation

Tokens of Appreciations by EXIM Bank were presented to the representatives of the Central Asian Embassies and YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir (pic below, right) by En Arshad bin Ismail (pic below, left), President & CEO of EXIM Bank.

The business briefing then adjourned to a networking luncheon hosted by EXIM Bank.

Photo Gallery:

MASSA extends its appreciation to the Export – Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank) for hosting the event, and to the Central Asian Embassies for their kind cooperation and participation at this event.

REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

GENERAL INFORMATION

Capital – Dushanbe
Location – the South-east of Central Asia
Territorу – 142,326 square kilometers
Population – 9,5 million people

Language -Tajik
Currency – somoni, introduced in October, 2000

Religion: The main religion is Islam. There are also small communities of Orthodox Christians, Protestants and Judaists
Big cities: Khujand, Bokhtar, Kulob, Khorugh

National holiday: Independence Day – 9 September
Natural resources: Coal, oil, natural gas, iron, zinc, antimony, mercury, gold, tin, tungsten, boron, edible salt, carbonates, fluorite, precious stones, semi-precious stones and other natural resources.

State borders – Length: 700 kilometers from west to east, 350 kilometers from north to south. In the west and north, Tajikistan has borders with Uzbekistan (1332,9 kilometers) and Kyrgyzstan (about 987 kilometers); in the south – with Afghanistan (1332,9 kilometers and in the east – with China (494,95 kilometers).

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Tajikistan acquired sovereignty in September 1991, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. In December 1991 Tajikistan joined the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Since 1992 Tajikistan has been a member of the United Nations, OSCE and other international organizations.
The President of Tajikistan is the head of state and of the executive branch. The legislative power belongs to the bicameral parliament (Majlisi Oli). Members of the lower chamber – Majlisi Namoyandagon – are elected for a five-year term.

STATE FLAG

The state flag of the Republic of Tajikistan consists of three horizontal stripes – of red, white and green colors. Red color symbolizes unity of Tajik people and its friendliness towards other nations of the world. White is a colour of the main source of country’s wealth – cotton, as well as the colour of ice and snow in the mountains. Green stripe symbolizes lush and fertile valleys of Tajikistan. On the white stripe, there is a depiction of a stylized gold crown with a semicircle above it formed by seven stars.

STATE EMBLEM

The state emblem of the Republic of Tajikistan is a depiction of a stylized gold crown with a semicircle of seven stars above it, aglow with rays of the sun, rising above the mountains, covered with snow. Ears of wheat surround the right side and cotton branches the left.  The wreath is enlaced by a tricolour ribbon; in the lower sector of the emblem, there is a book placed on a stand.

Climate – continental. January from +220C (Panj) to -610C (Lake Bulunkul), July from -80C (Lake Bulunkul) to +450C (Panj).

The geography of the Republic of Tajikistan is mountainous with heights above sea level varying between 300 and 7495 meters. Mountains belonging to the highest ranges of Central Asia make up 93% of the total area of the country. There is the Farghona valley in the north, while in the northwest and the central parts there are the Turkmenian, Zarafshon, Hisor and Oloy mountain ranges. The southeast boasts the impressive Pomir range (its highest mountain, the Somoni’s Peak, with an altitude of 7495 meters, is one of the highest summits of the world); while the southwest has the Vakhsh, Hisor and other valleys.

                              The highest mountains
                        Height above sea level, meters

         I.Somoni’s Peak                                     7495
         Abuali Ibn Sino’s Peak                            7134
         Korjenevskaya’s Peak                             6974
         Moscow’s Peak                                      6785
         K.Marx’s Peak                                       6726
         Garmo’s Peak                                        6595
         Soviet Officer’s 
         Peak                                                     6233
         Engel’s Peak                                          6510
         Vudor’s Peak                                          6132
         North Muzkol’s Peak                               6128
         Mayakovskiy’s Peak                               6096
         Pakhor’s Peak                                        6083

The Republic of Tajikistan has an abundance of lake’s and rivers. There are about 947 rivers longer than 10 kilometers with a total length of more than 28500 kilometers. The rivers account for 60% of all hydro-resources of central Asia.

The longest rivers (length, km through the territory of Tajikistan)

Panj                                              921
Amu-darya                                     65
Sir-darya                                       185
Zerafshan                                      306
Bartang – Murghab                         491
Vakhsh                                         524
Kofarnihon                                     387
Gund                                            296

Tajikistan’s high mountains accommodate great supplies of ice and snow. The line of perpetual snow is situated at height between 3500 and 3600 meters in the west and rises up to 5800 meters in the east. The total area of the glaciers in Tajikistan covers more than 8476 square kilometers. There are over the thousand registered glaciers with a length of more than 1.5 kilometers. Sixteen glaciers (such as Fedchenko and Grumm-Grzymailo glaciers) have length of more than 16 kilometers.

                                                     Main glaciers

                                          Square, km2                         Capacity, km³

Fedchenko                               156,0                                      93,6
Garmo                                     114,6                                        —
Vitkovskiy                                50,2                                        6,882
Academy of sciences
of the USSR                             48,0                                        5,242
Nalivkin                                    45,2                                        8,588
Bivachiy                                   37,0                                        8,05
Grumm-Grzhimailo                    37,0                                       19,84

Tajikistan also abounds in lakes. There are some 1300 lakes with a total surface area of 705 km2. Karakul, Sarez and Yashikul are the largest expanses to have been created naturally. The lakes are mainly located at height of 3500 meters.

                            Largest lakes (surface area, km2)

Karakul                                                                            380,0
Sarez                                                                               79,64
Zorkul                                                                               38,9
Yashikul                                                                           38,0
Shorkul                                                                            16,3

Largest reservoirs          Surface area, km2             Capacity,mln.m3

Kairokum                               520,0                                  4160
Norak                                    106,0                                 10500

Tajikistan’s soil, and its flora and fauna are determined by the alpine environment. The flora abounds in wild fruit-bearing trees and in numerous species of plants, which are widely used by the population

Animals are also abundant. Tajikistan boasts some 80 species of mammals, more than 365 kinds of birds, 49 kinds of reptiles, 40 kinds of fish, 10 thousands of various insects. One can observe such predators as snow leopards, lynx, bears, hyenas, otters, wolves, foxes and martens, as well as deer and rock-goats.

At present, there are 4 natural reserves (“Tigrovaya balka”, “Romit”, “Dashti Jum”, “Zorkul”), 13 sanctuaries and 2 national parks in Tajikistan. The total protected are makes 21% of the total territory of the republic.

                  Agricultural capacities of Tajikistan

Arable lands –                                     864,4 thousands ha.
Irrigated lands –                                   592,3 thousands ha.
Total sown areas –                              900,2 thousands ha.
Including grain legumes –                     401,9 thousands ha.
Total industrial crops –                         294 thousands ha.
Including cotton-plant –                        262,9 thousands ha.
Potato plant –                                     27,9 thousands ha.
Vegetables –                                      35,8 thousands ha

Natural Resources

Tajikistan’s natural resources are very diverse. Currently, more than 400 deposits have been identified, about 100 of which are being exploited. Some 40 kinds of mineral raw materials are being extracted, such as fossil minerals (about 10), ores and non-metallic resources (about 90).

Tajikistan has the largest coal reserves in Central Asia. The estimated total geological coal reserves amount to some four billion tons. Eighty percent is coking coal. Deposits have been discovered for many rare and precious metals such as zinc, lead, bismuth, molybdenum, tungsten, gold, silver, antimony, mercury and fluorite, as well as gas and petroleum, among others. Tajikistan has plenty of unique healing springs and sources of mineral water.

Major macroeconomic indicators of Tajikistan 2021

The country’s economic growth in 2021 is the highest in the last 17 years.

International financial institutions also rated the economic development of Tajikistan in 2021 as the highest in the region.

The growth rate of the economy is due to the increase in investments in fixed assets by 23.3%, industrial production by 22%, passenger traffic by 12.6%, domestic trade turnover by 13%, agriculture by 6.6%, transportation by 2.7%, paid services by 7,9% and foreign trade turnover by 39.5%, including exports by 52.8%.

In 2021, the inflation rate was 8 percent, which is 1.4 percentage points lower than the same period in 2020 (9.4 percent). Inflation in the country has been formed due to a 7.3% increase in food prices, 7.5% increase in non-food prices and 11.3% increase in tariffs for paid services.

Growth of industry has been ensured by 16.3% increase in production of processing industry, 1.5 times increase in mining industry, 15.2% increase in electricity, gas, steam and air purification supply and 9.2% increase in water supply, purification, processing waste and secondary processing.

Electricity production in the country in 2021 reached 20,623.8 million kWh. and was ensured at the volume of 853.3 million kWh or by 4.3 percent more compared to 2020.

In 2021, the volume of agricultural production reached 39.8 billion somoni, which is 6.6 percent more than in 2020, including 5.9 percent in crop production and 8.4 percent in livestock.

As of January 1, 2022, 78 projects are being implemented (39 grant projects, 7 loan projects and 32 projects in mixed loan-grant financing), the total amount of which is 42 billion somoni ($3.7 billion).

Within the framework of these projects from the start till January 1, 2022 15.4 billion somoni ($1.3 billion) were disbursed.  

The disbursement in 2021 is estimated at 5.4 billion somoni ($481.2 million), which is 96 percent of the total financial plan for the reporting period.

In 2021, the inflow of foreign capital in to the country amounted to $718.3 million, which is $289.9 million or 1.7 times more compared to the same period of the previous year.

 
The total foreign investments consists of $342.2 million direct investments and $376 million other types of capital investments.

The inflow of direct investments in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 amounted to $179.7 million, which is 2.1 times more, and other investments $110.6 million, which is more by 42%.

Direct investments were mainly directed to the mining sector 56.9%, manufacturing 9.9%, construction 2.1% and other sectors 31.1%.

According to statistics, the volume of investments in fixed assets in 2021 reached 14757.2 million somoni, which is 23.3% more compared to the same period of 2020.
The volume of paid services in all spheres in 2021 will reach 15111.8 million somoni, which 7.9 percent more compared to the previous year.

Out of the total volume, paid services provided to the population amounted to 77.6% or 11721.2 million somoni, which is 1.4% more than in 2021.

In 2021, 82 million tons of cargo were transported by all modes of transport, which is 2.7% more than in the same period of the last year.

At the same time, the number of passengers transported amounted to 737.1 million passenger, which 12.6% more compared to the same period of the previous year.

According to statistics, the foreign trade amounted to $6359.1 million, which is considered the highest indicator in the history of independence, as an increase of 39.5% or $1801.3 million was recorded compared to the same period last year.

In 2021, exports reached $2149.6 million, and imports to $4209.5 million, which is correspondingly higher compared to 2020, when exports amounted to $742.7 million or 52.8% and imports amounted to $1058.6 million or 33.6 percent.

The main trade partners of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2021 were the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, China, Uzbekistan, Turkey, India and Iran, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Sweden and other countries.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN TAJIKISTAN

The rich history and cultural heritage, unique nature and heavenly places of Tajikistan are a stable basis for the development of tourism, which is considered one of the most reliable sources of development of the national economy. In this regard, tourism has made a significant contribution to economic and social development as a proven means of attracting domestic and foreign investment, creating new jobs, a source of income and enriching the state budget.

Taking into account these factors and in order to improve the socio-economic situation in the country’s regions, provide the population with productive employment and increase the level of economic activity of the population on the initiative of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon the Government announced 2018 as “Year of Tourism Development and Folk Crafts” and 2019-2021 as “Years of Rural Development, Tourism and Folk Crafts”.

Tajikistan’s membership in the World Tourism Organization, the accession of our capital Dushanbe to the World Federation of Tourist Cities, the declaration of Dushanbe as the tourist capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2020-2021, the inscription of the historical site “Sarazm” and “National Park” of Tajikistan in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as “Chakan-embroidery art of the Republic of Tajikistan”, “Navruz holiday”, “Oshi palov”, “Music of Shashmaqom” and “Falak” to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, being the proof of this, have facilitated the promotion of the positive tourist image of Tajikistan around the world.

To ensure the attractiveness of the sector for domestic and foreign investors, the Government of the country has established a number of incentives, and at the initial stage created the economic and legal framework for the improvement of tourist sites and the creation of the necessary infrastructure. According to the adopted documents, during the first five years of operation, tourism companies are exempted from income tax as well as for import of equipment and construction materials for the construction of tourist infrastructure from value added tax and customs duties, whereas the amount of customs duties for the import of new cars for tourism purposes has been reduced by 50 percent.

Granting of tax and customs benefits will further increase the interest of entrepreneurs, and only on the basis of these benefits today more than 30 tourist infrastructure projects are being implemented in the field of construction of tourist complexes, parks, cable cars, hotels and resorts and other tourist facilities.

In order to further improve the investment climate and encourage foreign investments, multi-entry five-year visas are issued to entrepreneurs who invest more than $ 1 million in the Tajik economy, and to facilitate the movement of Tajikistan-born compatriots residing abroad multi-entry three-year visas are delivered to them.

The introduction of electronic visa and unilateral visa-free regime with 52 countries, the implementation of a simplified visa regime with 126 countries, as well as the abolition of internal registration of tourists will allow tourists and other foreign citizens to travel abroad without applying to Tajik consulates but through www.evisa.tj to obtain an electronic visa and travel to our country.

According to international assessments, Tajikistan’s e-visa system has been included in the top five visa issuance systems and ranked fourth.

In Tajikistan, the contribution of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety of domestic and foreign tourists is significant, and the provision of safe recreation and tourism for tourists is always in the focus of special attention. Since 2018, a tourist police department has been operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. There is a direct cooperation and communication between this department and tourism companies, which contributes to meeting the needs of tourists.

Currently, more than 239 tourism companies, 182 hotels, 29 hostels and motels, 49 sanatoriums, 8 health centers and clinics, 7 rest homes, 1 boarding house, 1 camping site and 4 tourist and recreation bases are operating in the market of tourist services of Tajikistan. Totally, there are 288 tourist facilities.

Dushanbe has attracted the attention of many tourists with its history, nature and cultural heritage. Attracting foreign investment in the construction of five-star hotels, medical facilities, cultural and recreational parks, modern residential and commercial buildings, teahouses decorated with national motifs, magnificent palaces built in modern ways, libraries and museums which are unique in Central Asia, are the priority areas of tourism development in Dushanbe.

The city of Dushanbe, as the main gateway for receiving tourists and hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors, annually turns its venues into a place of rest and relaxation for tourists heading to beautiful places of Badakhshan, Khatlon, Zeravshan, Romit and Varzob.

One of the tallest flags in the world with a height of 165 meters was erected in Dushanbe and recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, and today it has become one of the recreation and tourist sites of residents and guests of the capital.

Along with this, the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region is one of the most attractive tourist destinations and is famous for its beautiful rivers and lakes, mountains and unique landscapes. The availability of historical and medical sites, such as Lake Sarez, Garmchashma, Avj, Yamchun, Jelondeh, Bibi Fatimai Zuhro, the highest mountain ranges in the world and the glaciers of the Pamirs contribute to the development of tourism in the region.

In order to expand the material base for the stay of foreign tourists, along with modern hotels in the region, more than 50 small hotels, such as “Homestay” and “Guest House” have been established. Small hotels, established on the basis of housing of local residents, along with fulfilling their function of accommodation, allow foreign tourists to become familiar with the national culture and traditions.

Every year many tourists and mountaineers visit the peaks of Ismoili Somoni, Istiqloliyat, Korzhenevsky, Avicenna, Glaciers Fedchenko, Kherson, lakes – Karakul, Sarez, Yashilkul, Burunkul, healing springs Jelondeh, Garmchashma, Avj, Bibi Fatimai Zahro, Modiyon, National Park of Tajikistan, “Zorkul” Nature Reserve, Pamir Botanical Garden. Also, tourists visit the historical and cultural sites of the region, including the castles of Kahkaha, Yamchun, Karon, Vamar, mausoleums and museums, and get familiar with the ancient culture and traditions of the local people.

One of the most attractive tourist destinations in Tajikistan is the northern part of Sughd region, which is famous for its beautiful rivers and lakes, mountains and unique sights. The development of tourism in the region is due to the existence of historical sites, such as Sarazm, which dates back more than 5500 years, ancient Panjakent, the birthplace of Tajik and Persian classical literature, Ustod Abuabdullo Rudaki in Panjrud village, Fan and Archamaydon mountains, fabulous lakes, such as Haftkul and others.

Zerafshan valley fascinates lovers of history, culture and nature with its unique monuments, such as ancient Sarazm and ancient Panjakent and interesting views of the Fan mountains and lakes Marghuzor, Aloviddin, Kuli Kalon and Iskandarkul.

The study of tourism resources shows that the region has a great potential for the development of health tourism. Sanatoriums “Bahoriston”, “Shifo”, “Sohil”, “Zumrad”, “Havotogh” and “Avis-City” are popular among domestic and foreign tourists.

Khatlon with its ancient monuments, history and mysteries of its ancestors, beautiful nature, magic and vast valleys, medicinal plants and clear springs, fruits and pleasant weather have captivated the hearts of tourists.

In almost all districts, nature trips and visits to historical religious sites have become a tradition in the spring. Particularly, the mausoleum of “Mir Said Ali Hamadoni” in Kulob city, “Hulbuk Fortress” in Vose district, “Khoja Mashhad” mausoleum and “Chiluchorchashma” site in Shahritus district, “Zaynalobuddin” mausoleum in Dusti district, “Hazrati Sulton” mausoleum in Khovaling district, “Sarikhosor” waterfall site in Baljuvon district, “Childukhtaron” waterfall site in Muminobod district and dozens of other sites are attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

At present, there are 795 historical-cultural, archeological monuments, 36 museums, 37 resorts and sanatoriums, and 33 cultural and recreation parks in the territory of the region, which are visited by many tourists every year.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Gissar (Hisor) Valley, which is visited by a large number of visitors every year, is the Historical and Ethnographic Reserve “Gissar Fortress”. The reserve is an open-air museum of unique historical, archeological and architectural value.

Varzob district is one of the closest districts to Dushanbe, which has rich resources for tourism development and a well-developed infrastructure. The district has been declared a recreation, medical, sanatorium and tourism zone by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. There are more than 920 recreation areas registered in the district, of which 65 are public and seasonal recreation areas, and the activities of several important tourist facilities are regular, such as recreation areas “Kokhi Malika”, “Varzob Palace”, “Gulobod”, “Guli mayda” and “Safed-dara” ski and tourist complex. These regions have all modern conditions for receiving domestic and foreign tourists.

Agro-tourism is also developing in Tajikistan and is still considered a new and modern form of tourism. Interest in this type of tourism has been steadily growing. Because ecologically pure fruits of Tajikistan, including grapes, peaches, apricots, cherries, apples, pears and their collection directly in the gardens, fresh vegetables, melons, such as melons and watermelons, dried fruits, the most delicious honey, fruit and vegetable juices and other environmentally friendly products are the basis for the development of agricultural tourism or agro-tourism.

One of the main attractions of gastronomic tourism in Tajikistan is the Navruz dishes, including sumanak and haftsin, haftshin foodstuffs, which are prepared on the occasion of the International Day of Navruz. Navruz is presented as a tourism brand.

In the Republic of Tajikistan, Navruz, Mehrgon, Sada, Tirgon, honey, apple, pumpkin and other holidays are being promoted as a tourist brand in order to attract more tourists.

Surveys on the assessment of Tajikistan as a tourist destination by reputable international organizations and the world media.

Tajikistan has become an attractive destination for travelers around the world, and with the image of a safe and peaceful country in the region since independence has acquired the best opportunity for tourism development, thus securing one of the most notable rankings according to reputable international organizations and the world’s news networks:

In the framework of the World Tourism Exhibition Berlin – 2018, the awarding ceremony of “100 best global leaders in the protection of national culture, traditions and the involvement of people in tourism in 2018” was held. The mountainous region of Badakhshan in Tajikistan was placed in the top 100 countries, particularly gaining the first rank in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the results of 2017, the analytical agency “TourStat” of Russia has developed a ranking of foreign tourist destinations and identified the most popular foreign destinations for Russian tourists in 2017. The Republic of Tajikistan is included in the list of 50 most popular foreign countries for Russian tourists TOP-50.

According to a survey conducted by the Russian analytical agency “TourStat”, the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, has been included in the list of 10 cities of the Commonwealth of Independent States for tourism in spring and autumn.

According to the results of 2018, Tajikistan ranked first in the ranking of the growth of tourism, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Dushanbe has been selected by the Economic Cooperation Organization as the “Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2020-2021”.

In 2019, according to a survey conducted by the Information Agency “TourStat”, the capital of Tajikistan – Dushanbe was included in the top ten cities of the Commonwealth of Independent States for autumn travel.

According to the results of 2018, one of the media outlets of the global tourism brand “AFAR” ranked Tajikistan in the first place in terms of growth in the number of tourists (an increase of 190.1%).

The American think tank Gallup has ranked Tajikistan second on the list of the safest countries in the world, according to a survey of citizens of 142 countries.

The popular British newspaper “The Telegraph” in its issue of August 16, 2019, published an article “The Lost City. Archaeologists have discovered “Machu Picchu” in Tajikistan”. This article discusses the excavations of the ancient city of Karon in Tajikistan, which was discovered by Tajik archaeologists a few years ago.

Kokhi Navruz of the capital of Tajikistan has been presented as a modern miracle and has been recognized as one of the 8 wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

In 2019, foreign media, including the well-known state media of the Russian Federation – TASS, Uzbekistan – “UzA”, Kyrgyzstan – “Kabar” will cover the development of tourism in Tajikistan, unique nature, clear waters, beautiful landscapes, historical and cultural sites. Tajikistan is considered to be a country with great tourism potential in the scene of the international tourism market.

Tajikistan’s tourism industry has won the world’s most prestigious business award – “The BIZZ Business Excellence Award 2019”.

According to a survey conducted by the authoritative international magazine “Lonely Planet”, Tajikistan ranks first among the 10 best regions for travel and travel on the Silk Road in Central Asia.

The British travel magazine “Wanderlust” presented and recommended for tourists to visit the Fedchenko, Garmchashma, Iskandarkul, Lake Sarez, Vakhon, Karakul and Chapdara glaciers as 7 natural wonders in 2020.

The Pacific Tourism Association (PATWA), recognized as one of the world’s leading organizations in the field of tourism, in March 2020 declared the Republic of Tajikistan a stable and inviolable country for tourism.

Tajikistan Awarded the Prize for Asia’s Most Interesting Hiking Destination by Top 10 of Asia on February 28, 2023 in Malaysia. 

Malaysia and Central Asia – A Cursory Glance at Cooperation and Interaction

H.E. Ardasher Saeedjaafar Qodiri,

Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of  Tajikistan to Malaysia, Republic of Indonesia, Kingdom of Thailand and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to UNESCAP with residence in Kuala Lumpur

On June 30, 2022, the Central Asian countries and Malaysia celebrated their 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. During this period, a lot of efforts have been made to strengthen cooperation and interaction, but these efforts have been and continue to be intermittent.

It seems necessary that the parties should work to ensure that the process of developing cooperation from a leap-like one is translated into a process of consistent development and maintained in this state.

Importance of Strengthening and Expanding Political Relations

Conceptually, political cooperation of subjects of international law implies the joint work of interested parties in order to achieve certain goals that require common efforts based on a jointly developed strategy.

Malaysia and the Central Asian countries need to build an extensive system of active political contacts and dialogue both at the highest (heads of states) and at all other levels (heads of authorities), which would create a solid base for political cooperation.

Over the past thirty years of cooperation, since the period when Malaysia established diplomatic relations with the Central Asian countries (1992), certain measures have been taken and efforts have been made to strengthen cooperation. However, these measures and efforts were uneven, abrupt in nature. Visits of a high political level brought a surge of activity for a certain period of time, followed by temporary busyness with subsequent fading. It is the activation of political contacts at the highest and high levels that will give the necessary impetus to cooperation, which will need to be maintained by the efforts of all parties in a dynamic, smooth development.

Also, taking into consideration the form of government in Malaysia, which is essentially parliamentary (constitutional parliamentary), and the five Central Asian countries that, being presidential (unitary presidential), have relatively active parliaments, it is necessary to activate parliamentary diplomacy (inter-parliamentary friendship committees), which in turn can give an additional impetus to cooperation.

Malaysia and the Central Asian countries have good prospects for cooperation within the framework of regional and international organizations. However, it seems that Malaysia and the Central Asian countries are mainly focused on their cooperation within their regional organizations, and their cooperation within other organizations is purely symbolic. A possible platform for close cooperation is the OIC, in which, taking advantage of the inactivity of other members, other countries, taking advantage of their positions, dominate, and this dominance has a certain one-sidedness. The cooperation of the Muslim countries of Southeast Asia – Malaysia in tandem with Indonesia with the countries of the Central Asian region, which has made a significant contribution to the formation of Islamic civilization, will create a certain ground for a broader and deeper vision of the problems of Muslim society and their solutions.

Malaysia and the Central Asian countries can also develop cooperation in the fight against the new challenges of our time, terrorism, extremism, cybercrime and other modern evils that currently pose a global threat to the international community.

It is worth noting that the peoples inhabiting Muslim countries are relatively protected by the armour of their spiritual foundations from the distorted dogmas of modernity, cultivated by other societies (Western) that have lost their spirituality under the slogans of equality and democracy. However, the departure of the Muslim society from the basic principles of its creed revived the disease of ignorance, which caused backwardness and obscurantism. This ignorance still continues to dominate our (Muslim) minds for centuries and the eradication of this ignorance in essence should be the cornerstone of our cooperation.

Economic Mutual Benefits

A quick look at the trade and economic cooperation between Malaysia and the Central Asian countries gives a very clear picture that the countries have something to work on. The total trade turnover in 2021 reached only USD 170 million, and almost 90% of this volume is Malaysia’s exports to Central Asian countries.

For a clearer vision, we compare only two items: cotton and ores, slag & ash, which could be imported from Central Asian countries and re-exported to the markets of neighbouring countries.

Thus, Malaysia and its closest neighbour Indonesia imported USD 2.236 billion worth of cotton in 2021, and USD 5 billion worth of slag was imported in the same period. The Central Asian countries exported USD 2.5 billion worth of cotton and USD 3.46 billion worth of slag in 2020 accordingly. It can be assumed that some of these goods were delivered to the markets of Southeast Asian countries, but through third parties, not directly.

Additionally, it is also possible to note other goods that can be mined and exported from Central Asian countries, such as: iron & steel, precious stones & metals, copper and aluminium; the total import of only named goods in 2021 in Malaysia exceeded the amount of USD 22 billion, and in Indonesia USD 18 billion.

The parties should pay maximum attention to the expansion of trade cooperation.

We have already noted some primary goods for import to Malaysia from Central Asian countries; conversely it is possible to increase the volume of palm oil exports back, as well as consider the possibilities of exporting furniture and electronics at the first stage, and further expand the range of interchange in the course of studying the state of supply and demand in the markets.

The creation of logistics centres in Central Asian countries can serve as a strong enough help, taking into account that this region is land-locked.

By creating trade and logistics centres on the terms of free trade zones, it can be confidently noted that the disadvantage of the region’s lack of access to the seas will be transformed into an advantage.

Such a move will significantly increase trade.

Naturally, under the present conditions, the countries of Central Asia and Malaysia are only able to partially meet each other’s needs for these and other goods, and in order to increase the volume and expand the names of goods, the parties need to work more closely to create a legal framework and sign relevant agreements on the promotion and mutual protection of investments (the Tajik proposal is addressed to the Malaysian side in December 2020), and avoidance of double taxation.

Separately, it is worth noting the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, better known as the New York Convention of 1958, which has been ratified by almost all Central Asian countries and is a strong enough argument for attracting direct investment to the region.

It should be noted that both the Central Asian and Southeast Asian regions’ trade could be mutually beneficial not only with these exemplary products, which, could be assumed, to reach this market through third countries, but also with many other goods in which both sides have the necessary potential.

The GDP PPP of Malaysia reaches almost USD 1 trillion, while the GDP PPP of all Central Asian countries slightly exceeds the bar by the same amount. Considering that the average population of Central Asian countries (76.6 million) is almost two and a half times more than the population of Malaysia (32.6 million), the GDP per capita in Malaysia (almost USD 30 thousand) is much higher than this indicator in Central Asia (just over USD 13 thousand).

A superficial analysis of trade and economic cooperation between Malaysia and the Central Asian countries in comparison with economic indicators shows that the opportunities for expanding cooperation are really good and the initiative, in this case, should come from Malaysia, as a country with a stronger economy and which needs new markets.

In principle, the Central Asian region should be of interest to Malaysia for several reasons, namely: 1) geographical location that connects different parts of the largest continent; 2) huge reserves of oil, gas and various minerals; 3) rich reserves of water resources; 4) sufficient potential to ensure their food security and et cetera.

Many other arguments can be given, but it is worth adding that Malaysia, by exploring the possibilities of cooperation with Central Asian countries, will find new markets that are essentially undiscovered for the countries of Southeast Asia, and being a pioneer in cooperation with this region, Malaysia will have that advantage.

As it was noted earlier, a serious disadvantage of the Central Asian region is the lack of direct access to the world ocean, through which, in principle, the main part of world logistics is carried out. However, with the right approach, this disadvantage can be transformed into an advantage by creating logistic hubs in the region and taking into account the population of the region and sales markets, as well as natural resources that the region is rich in. And the one who is among the first to take part in the transformation of this disadvantage into an advantage will have a certain benefit in the future.

Tajikistan can play the role of a trade gateway for Malaysia to Central Asia, Afghanistan and other neighbouring countries. At the same time, Malaysia can be a connecting link for Tajikistan and other Central Asia countries with ASEAN.

Cultural Similarity and Necessity for Interchange

An equally important area in the development of cooperation between countries is cultural relations, and it would be preferable to give priority to the importance of cultural cooperation, since it is culture that forms the being of both the individual and society, and it also embodies the whole essence of spiritual values that determines its level of development (or degradation).

The rich culture of the peoples of Central Asia and Malaysia has absorbed the heritage of previous eras, and at this stage of their historical development they share common cultural values that are based on Islamic creeds.

Through the intensification of cultural relations, a solid foundation will be laid for cooperation in other areas, including political and economic.

By strengthening cultural cooperation (organizing cultural weeks, cinema weeks, museum screenings & etc.), the countries of Central Asia and Malaysia will be able to achieve the greatest results in other equally important areas, but it is cultural cooperation that will create the necessary connection between the peoples of these countries.

Ardasher Qodiri

October 2022, Kuala-Lumpur