“Selamat Hari Raya AidilFitri” and Greetings from MASSA !

We are pleased to feature 2 countries in this edition of our newsletter, namely Myanmar and Bangladesh. 

For this edition, our Trade Commissioner based in the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, Mr Jonathan Rao has given us an informative article on “Doing Business in Myanmar”.  Since the lifting of US trade embargo in 2011,  Myanmar has undergone significant change and progress. Almost all economic sectors have witnessed tremendous growth.  The Government is proactive with its changes and reforms to continually improve the business climate.  MASSA members should respond and partake in the many trade promotion activities organised by MATRADE to have a foothold in this emerging nation.  

MASSA’s associate in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) at a recent seminar at MATRADE, provided fresh economic data showing that the economy of Bangladesh is on a growth track that is enviable of its peers.  This augurs well for its upcoming event,  “Showcase Malaysia 2015”  that will be held from 15 – 17 October 2015 in Dhaka.  Organised by BMCCI, in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Bangladesh, the High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia and supported by MATRADE and MASSA, this event is much awaited in Bangladesh.  Being the 5th edition of such events that has been organised since 2008, “Showcase Malaysia 2015” has attracted many more industrial sectors who are taking a serious look at this burgeoning country of 160 million people with a growing middle class.
 
On 17th June 2015, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Syed Hassan Reza met MASSA members at a reception wherein he gave an excellent presentation on the latest economic situation of his country.  His Excellency was upbeat and bullish on the fact that Pakistan’s strategic location on the “East West Silk Route” will bode well for Malaysians to keep Pakistan on its investment radar. 

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has also shared with us an article on the need for Malaysian companies to have their respective competition law compliance programme in place.  With such a programme in place, their respective business will be regarded as having good corporate governance.  Please do log on to www.mycc.gov.my for more information. 

MASSA is organising a business mission to Timor-Leste from 12 – 15 October 2015.  A young country, much dependent on oil, it has many opportunities for Malaysian products and services to make its mark.  We encourage the spirit to venture South-South, so come join us on this trip!

Fatimah Sulaiman
Editor