Showcase Bangladesh 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, 8 – 10 January 2010

The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur organised the Showcase Bangladesh 2010 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. This event is supported by Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

Besides introducing and promoting Bangladeshi products and services to potential buyers and importers from Malaysia, this showcase also highlighted activities which include infrastructure development, trade promotion and tourism development, cross border investment as well as women leadership and entrepreneurship development. YB Dato’ Sri Mustapha bin Mohamed, the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia inaugurated the Opening Ceremony on 8 January 2010 with Special Guest from the Government of Bangladesh, the Honourable Mr Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, Minister of Commerce. Mr Syed Moazzam Hossain, President of BMCCI delivered the Welcome Address while H.E. Mr AKM Atiqur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kuala Lumpur delivered the Opening Speech at this event.

A Cross Border Investment Seminar on “Relocation of Sun Set Industries and Infrastructure Development” and a special Seminar on “SEACO” were also held for Malaysian businessmen on 8 January 2010. On 9 January 2010, a Gala Dinner cum Cultural Show was held at Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia was the Chief Guest at this dinner with the Honourable Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP, State Minister for the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Bangladesh, the Special Guest. President of MASSA, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, attended both of these events.

A total of 36 exhibitors participated at this showcase which included the following Bangladeshi products and services:

• Banking and Insurance Services
• Ceramic Tablewares
• Cosmetic and Toiletries
• Halal Food including Frozen Foods and Allied Products
• Handicraft and Handloom Products
• Home Textiles
• Hostel and Tourism
• Jute and Jute Products
• Leather Products
• Pharmaceutical, Herbal and Ayurvedic Products
• Plastics and Melamine Products
• Ready-made Garments (both woven and knitted)
• Real Estate and Housing
• Silk and Accessories

Visit of Ecobank, West Africa to MASSA, 21 January 2010

Mr Paulo Gomes, Director of Ecobank Transnational Inc., Togo, Mr Didier Acouetey, Executive President of AfricSearch, Senegal and Dr. Albert G. Zeufack, Director, Khazanah Research & Investment Strategy, Khazanah Nasional visited MASSA on 21 January 2010. AfriSearch and Ecobank are the promoters of the “Africa and South East Asia Business Forum” conference which will be held in Singapore from 5 to 6 April 2010.

(Left to right) Mr Didier Acouetey, Executive President, AfricSearch, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA, Dr. Albert G Zeufack, Director, Khazanah Research & Investment Strategy of Khazanah Nasional and Mr Paulo Gomes, Managing Director of EcoBank

Courtesy Call by Ambassador of Uzbekistan on President of MASSA,
3 March 2010

H.E. Mr Shukur Sabitov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Malaysia made a courtesy call on YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA at his office. Mr Dilshod Parpiev, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Malaysia accompanied His Excellency at this meeting.

MASSA Members Visit Iskandar Malaysia, 11 March 2010

MASSA members, led by YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli Kushairi made a visit to Iskandar Malaysia on 11 March 2010. The delegation arrived at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)’s office at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru and was met by its Chief Executive Officer, Encik Ismail Ibrahim. Encik Ismail Ibrahim welcomed MASSA members and gave an introduction to Iskandar Malaysia and the present status of its development and progress. IRDA is a Federal Statutory Body established under the IRDA Act 2007. Its key functions are to plan, promote and facilitate investment approvals. It is responsible for realising the vision and objectives of Iskandar Malaysia to become a metropolis of international standing. IRDA provides a facilitative environment for investors by responding to their needs in a timely and transparent manner.

Iskandar Malaysia is set to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia’s most developed region, where living, entertainment, environment and business seamlessly converge within a bustling and vibrant metropolis.

Located in Johor, the southern gateway to Peninsular Malaysia, Iskandar Malaysia is only a six to eight hour flight radius from Asia’s burgeoning growth centres such as Bangalore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo. It is also within reach of a global market of 800 million people. Iskandar Malaysia aims to be a sustainable region of international standard. The beacon of new growth, Iskandar Malaysia will spur economic development that actuate Malaysia’s global potential. Recognising the need for sustainable development, social and environment issues feature heavily on its agenda.

The development of Iskandar Malaysia has been strategically planned with five flagship zones. They include:

• JB City Centre
• Nusajaya and Medini
• Western Gate development
• Eastern Gate development
• Senai – Skudai

The delegation was also briefed by representatives from Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and UEM Land Holdings Berhad (UEM Land) on the status of the various development components mentioned above. The members went on a tour of the developments before ending the tour with a sumptious luncheon hosted by IRDA at the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Iskandar Malaysia.

Courtesy Call by High Commissioner of Kenya on President of MASSA,
30 March 2010

H.E. David Gachoki Njoka, High Commissioner of Kenya to Malaysia made a courtesy call on YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA at his office. His Excellency was accompanied by Ms Noel Kituto, First Counsellor of the Kenya High Commission in Malaysia at this meeting.

(From left) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA, H.E. David Gachoki Njoka, High Commissioner of Kenya to Malaysia, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and Ms Noel Kituto, First Counsellor of the Kenya High Commission