Above statistics on Argentina provided The Embassy of the Argentina Republic, Kuala Lumpur

INVEST IN ARGENTINA 

Naturally talented to meet global market needs

Sustainable Economic Growth

A DYNAMIC ECONOMIC MODEL BASED ON SOCIAL INCLUSION

√     One of the fastest-growing countries worldwide: leader in Latin America for the past decade.

√     Sustainable macroeconomy: sustained external surplus, accumulated international reserves, fiscal solvency and substantial reduction in public debt.

√     Record-high exports close to US$ 100 billion for goods and services in 2011.

√     Five million new jobs created; a decrease in unemployment levels from 21.5% in 2002 to 7.1% in 2012.

√    Ranked as a Very High Human Development country in the United Nations 2011 Human Development Index.  

Attractive Business Profitability

 PRODUCTIVE INVESTMENT DELIVERING HIGH RETURNS

√     High profitability in a wide range of productive sectors.

√     New record-high profits from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a percentage of assets, with the annual average exceeding 10% in the last four years.

√     Profits over sales above 13% for the 500 non-financial private companies in 2006-2010.

√    More than 2,000 multinational companies operating in diverse sectors share a long-term vision and renewed investment commitment.

√    Highest investment rate in the last 30 years (24.5% of GDP in 2011) fueled by the diversity and profitability of all existing investment opportunities.  

Strategic Location 

STRONG TIES WITH LATIN AMERICA

√     Located in a region endowed with resources to meet current and future global demands. Strategic player within the main food exporting region in the world.

√     A motor for Latin America’s increased integration in terms of economy, politics, society and culture.

√     Full MERCOSUR member, together with Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuel: preferential access (0% tariff) to a regional market of 275 million inhabitants; aggregate GDP of US$3.35 trillion; and great industrial complementarity.

√     Member of UNASUR (Union of South American Nations); ALADI (Latin American Integration Association); and ECLAC (Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean).

Diversified Economy

OPPORTUNITIES IN EVERY PRODUCTIVE SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

√     Leading country in the international food market, with exports exceeding US$25 billion in 2011 and great technological development in the agrifood value chain.

√     Industrial structure with a strong tradition in countless diverse productive sectors, along with  dynamic growth of industrial exports (16% per year in 2003-2011).

√     Accelerated developmentof renewable energies, biotechnology, software, creative industries and other frontier sectors.

√     Main tourism destination in Latin America, with almost 6 million tourists per year.

√     Increase in the productive capacity of domestic and foreign companies, with 96% of FDI flows being directed to new projects and expansion.

Openness to the world 

GLOBAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

√     G-20 Member, with an active presence in several international organizations, including the World Trade Organization, G77+China, United Nations, UNCTAD, ECLAC and FAO, among others.

√     Strengthening of the bilateral relations with the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as well as other developing countries.

√     Highly dynamic exports to more than 150 destinations, with values tripling over the past 8 years.

√     Trade growth with the rest of the world (2003-2011) over 17% per year.

√     Highest proportion of FDI projects with high technological intensity in South America (ECLAC).  

 Argentina = Talent + Opportunity 

Abundant and diverse natural resources 

RICH RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

√     Vast extension of fertile land for agriculture: 9th largest extension of agricultural area in the world with 140 million hectares of arable lands (FAO).

√     4,500 km of mountain ranges with mining resources: gold, copper, lithium, carbon, lead, zinc, tin, silver and potassium.

√     4,700 km coast along the Atlantic Ocean with rich fisheries. 

√     Vast oil and gas resources with exploration and exploitation opportunities.

Skilled and highly creative workforce

STRONG ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE COMBINED WITH A DIVERSE WORKFORCE OF RESOURCEFUL SKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS

√    Workforce internationally renowned for its skill set, creativity and versatility.

√      More than 98,000 graduates from higher education programs and almost 11,000 postgraduate students from 115 universities across the country enter the labor market each year.

√      Economically active population (EAP) with the highest education level in Latin America.

√      Highest level of public investment in education in the region (equal to 6% of GDP).

√      The most dynamic work productivity in the region in recent years (ECLAC).

Strength to face the global crisis 

PUBLIC POLICIES AIMED AT FOSTERING DEMAND

√     An inclusion-based model for growth, in which the strong and dynamic domestic market is one of the key pillars.

√     Proven ability to sustain the economic growth cycle from the on-start of the global crisis, exceeding the average of emerging countries.

√     Low level of public debt and high level of international reserves, increasing capacity to implement counter-cyclical public policies.

√     Job protection and social inclusion policies drive domestic demand and production.

√     Investment promotion initiatives such as credit facilities for the productive sector and a construction plan to build 400,000 homes.

Modern infrastructure and high-quality connectivity

A STRONG NETWORK IN EXPANSION PROVIDING THE NEEDED SUPPORT FOR PROJECTED GROWTH

√   Public investment at a historic high (going from 0.5% of total public spending in 2002 to 6% in 2011).

√   Well-developed transport and infrastructure system: 35,000 kilometers (21,700 miles) of national roads; one of the longest rail road networks in the world (36,000 kilometers / 22,000 miles); 43 ports; and 54 airports.

√   Ranked 2nd in the Logistics Performance Index of the World Bank in Latin America (2010).

√   High rates of internet penetration in companies and homes.

√   Highest fixed and mobile telephone density in Latin America, ranking 6th worldwide (World Bank, 2010).

High level of scientific, technological and productive innovation 

PROMOTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY TO  FOSTER HIGHER COMPETITIVENESS AND BRING ADDED VALUE TO PRODUCTION

√     Public policy supportive of scientific and technological development spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation created in 2007.

√     55% increase in the number of R&D professionals over the period 2003-2011.

√     Highest ratio of researchers to the economically active population (EAP) and ranked 3rd in terms of the number of R&D technicians, measured as total number per million inhabitants in Latin America (World Bank).

√     Development of aerospace projects led by INVAP, a public company of world renown for satellite development and other space projects.

√     One of a few countries in the world with multispecies cloning capacity.

OPPORTUNITIES

There are 86 investment projects in different ten (10) sectors and the total project value is up to US$ 4.7 billion. For any further information on the investment projects, please go to the BaPIP website http://www.bapip.inversiones.gov.ar/en/ and register as a user to find out more investment opportunities in details. 

CONTACT

Should you require any further assistance, please contact to:-

The Embassy of The Argentine Republic in Kuala Lumpur

Tel: (603- 2144 1451) or

Email to comercial2_emsia@mrecic.gov.ar

The Kingdom of Morocco

      Morocco Flag

Map of Africa Continent

Morocco Map with Rabat, Capital of Morocco

Brief Information on Morocco

(2013 est.)Time Zone:UTC 0Internet Code:.maInternational Telephone Code:212

Above information extracted from http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mo.html

Economy – Overview

Morocco has capitalized on its proximity to Europe and relatively low labor costs to build a diverse, open, market-oriented economy.  In the 1980s, Morocco was a heavily indebted country before pursuing austerity measures and pro-market reforms, overseen by the MF.  Since taking the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has presided over a stable economy marked by steady growth, low inflation, and gradually failing unemployment, although a poort harvest and economic difficulties in Europe contributed to an economic slowdown in 2012.  Industrial development strategies and infrastructure improvements – most visibly illustrated by a new port and free trade zone near Tangier – are improving Morocco’s competitiveness.  Morocco also seeks to expand its renewable energy capacity with a goal of making renewable 40% of electricity output by 2020.  Key sectors of the economy include agriculture, tourism, phosphates, textiles, apparel, and subcomponents.  To boost exports, Morocco entered into a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the United States in 2006 and an Advance Status agreement with the European Union in 2008.  Despite Morocco’s economic progress, the country suffers from high unemployment, proverty, and illiteracy, particularly in rural areas.  In 2011 and 2012, high prices on fuel – which is subsidized and almost entirely imported – strained the government’s budget and widened the country’s current account deficit.  In the fall of 2013, Morocco capped some of its fuel subsidies in an effort to gradually reduce the country’s large budgetary deficit.  Key economic challenges for Morocco include fighting corruption and reforming the education system, the judiciary, and the government’s costly subsidy program.

Above information extracted from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mo.html 

Courtesy Call on President of MASSA by H.E. Ahmed Faouzi,

Ambassador of The Kingdom of Morocco to Malaysia

on 14th March 2014

 H.E.  Ahmed Faouzi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Malaysia, made a courtesy call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA.  Executive Committee members of MASSA, namely, Tan Sri Dato’ Michael Chen Wing Sum, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Dato’ J. Jegathesan, Dato’ Tan Seng Sung were also at the meeting. Also in attendance was Mr Alex Lee (from ACCCIM), Ms Ng Su Fun and Ms Florence Khoo (from MASSA Secretariat).

H.E. Ahmed Faouzi commenced his tour of duty in Malaysia in May 2013.  Prior to this, he served as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Cote d’ Ivoire from 2008 to 2013.

(left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA with (right) H.E. Ahmed Faouzi,

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Malaysia

Morocco is a country located in Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea between Algeria and Western Sahara.  It is also strategically located along the Straits of Gibraltar.  

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, with a young population of 32 million people.  Morocco enjoys a diverse, open and market oriented economy.   Since taking the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has presided over a stable economy marked by steady growth, low inflation and low unemployment.

Key sectors of its economy include agriculture, tourism, phosphates and textiles and apparels.  Its GDP in 2013 was 5.1% while GDP per capita was USD5,500.   To boost its exports, Morocco has a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. since 2006 and an Advanced Status Agreement with the  E.U. in 2008.

H.E. Ahmed Faouzi welcomed MASSA to establish bilateral private sector business linkages with the private sector community in Morocco.  Towards this end, His Excellency was prepared to assist to connect and link MASSA with the premier business chambers and organisations in Morocco. 

His Excellency highlighted the fact that Morocco is well placed, given its excellent location, infrastructure and connectivity to serve as the hub to do business in West Africa.  His Excellency sees a similarity, in that Malaysia is also well placed to serve as the hub to do business in ASEAN.  His Excellency welcomed MASSA to establish strategic linkages with the Moroccan business community.

Contact Details

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Kuala Lumpur

Box 9, Wisma Selangor Dredging

3rd Floor, East Block, 142-B, Jalan Ampang

50450 Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSA

Tel: (603) 2161 0701, (603) 2161 0705, (603) 2161 0708

Fax: (603) 2162 3081  

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE

Timor-Leste Flag

 Map of Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste Map

Brief information on Timor-Leste

Above information extracted from http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=547&lang=en

Timor Leste, with a total area of 14,874 sq km, is located at Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago.  Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco.  The climate is tropical; hot, humid; with distinct rainy and dry seasons.  The capital is Dili. 

Timor Leste’s economy – Since its 1999 independence, Timor-Leste has faced great challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the work force. The development of oil and gas resources in offshore waters has greatly supplemented government revenues. This technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create jobs for the unemployed in part because there are no production facilities in Timor-Leste. Gas is piped to Australia. In June 2005, the National Parliament unanimously approved the creation of a Petroleum Fund to serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the value of Timor-Leste’s petroleum wealth for future generations. The Fund held assets of US$9.3 billion as of December 2011.  The economy continues to recover from the mid-2006 outbreak of violence and civil unrest, which disrupted both private and public sector economic activity. Government spending increased markedly from 2009 through 2012, primarily on basic infrastructure, including electricity and roads. Limited experience in procurement and infrastructure building has hampered these projects. The underlying economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth path and to reduce poverty. On the strength of its oil-wealth, the economy has achieved real growth between 8-12% per year for the last several years, among the highest sustained growth rates in the world.

(Extracted from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tt.html)

Timor Leste’s Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030
Extracted from: http://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Timor-Leste-Strategic-Plan-2011–20301.pdf

Introduction & Overview

The Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan is a twenty year vision that reflects the aspirations of the Timorese people to create a prosperous and strong nation. The plan has been developed to inspire change, to support bold collective action and to plan for a better future.

The Plan incorporates the vision of the Timorese people in ‘Timor-Leste 2020, Our Nation Our Future’ which formed the basis of the 2002 National Development Plan.  It also reflects the views of the thousands of Timorese people who contributed to the national consultation on the Summary Strategic Development Plan, From Conflict to Prosperity, in 2010.

Since independence in 2002, Timor-Leste’s social and economic policies have focused on alleviating poverty to address the immediate needs of our people, consolidating security and stability, and providing a foundation for nationhood through building institutions of State. This ongoing process of peace building and state building has been necessary to create a base from which Timor-Leste can address our people’s health and education needs and work towards the elimination of extreme poverty. While it normally takes post-conflict countries at least ten to 15 years to recover stability, Timor-Leste has achieved a safe and secure environment in less than a decade. We now have the benefits of peace, stability and a growing economy as we continue to build our nation.

In the last three years, Timor-Leste has experienced double-digit economic growth and a general improvement in people’s welfare. Sector reforms and significant investments in the economy have taken place and the development of the oil and gas sector has begun. Our successes so far are due to the resilience of our people. It was our strong sense of self-determination that drove us to achieve independence after 400 years of colonisation and 24 years of occupation.

The same self-determination should now be applied to implementing the vision of the Timorese people through the Strategic Development Plan. Four key attributes of our nation mean that we are well placed to achieve our vision: political will, economic potential, national integration and a dynamic population.

Economic potential:

Timor-Leste has valuable natural resources, including one of the world’s most vital commodities, petroleum. The development of the petroleum sector can help to secure the foundations of a sustainable and vibrant economy. The revenue from the sector can be invested in education and health services for families and in helping farmers to increase their productivity so that our agriculture sector becomes a leading driver of private sector jobs. This revenue can also help to fund the infrastructure necessary to build a diversified economy and transform our country into a modern nation. Timor-Leste can also take advantage of our location in East Asia, a powerhouse of the world economy. In the Asian century, and close to emerging economic giants, Timor-Leste is well positioned to trade and partner with our neighbours to achieve rapid and unprecedented economic growth.

National integration:

Timor-Leste is a small country with a land size of about 15,000 km2 and a population of 1,066,409.  This makes Timor-Leste well placed to establish effective connections across our population, between our urban and rural areas, and between our government and our people –helping us to quickly achieve national integration and rapid economic development.  Connecting our people with each other and to the world is a central objective of the Strategic Development Plan. Improved telecommunications, roads, ports and airports will be necessary to achieve strong economic growth and improve human development. Part of the strategy will also involve supporting the development of regional growth corridors and measured urbanisation to achieve a balance between rural and urban living.

Dynamism:

Timor-Leste is a young country with a young population. Over half of our population is under the age of 19. While this creates challenges, it also provides enormous opportunities for our emerging nation. Over the next decades, our young generation will become the greater part of our workforce and will respond to new opportunities with dynamism, creativity and enthusiasm. As this new generation masters new technologies and joins our workforce, they will drive economic growth and development.

BACKGROUND

The strategies and actions set out in the Strategic Development Plan aim to transition Timor-Leste from a low income to upper middle income country, with a healthy, well educated and safe population by 2030.

The 2002 National Development Plan envisaged that by 2020:
• Timor-Leste will be a prosperous society with adequate food, shelter and clothing for all people.
• People will be literate, knowledgeable and skilled. They will be healthy and live long, productive lives. They will actively participate in economic, social and political development, promoting social equality and national unity.
• People will no longer be isolated, because there will be good roads, transport, electricity and communications in the towns and villages in all regions of the country.
• Production and employment will increase in all sectors – agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
• Living standards and services will improve for all Timorese.

Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan is an integrated package of strategic policies to be implemented in the short-term (one to five years), in the medium term (five to ten years) and in the long-term (ten to 20 years). It is aligned with the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, but it is more than a set of targets. It is about setting out a pathway to long-term, sustainable, inclusive development in Timor-Leste.

The plan aims to develop core infrastructure, human resources and the strength of our society, and to encourage the growth of private sector jobs in strategic industry sectors – a broad based agriculture sector, a thriving tourism industry and downstream industries in the oil and gas sector.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Strategic Development Plan covers three key areas: social capital, infrastructure development and economic development. Following this introduction, the second part focuses on our nation’s social capital and on building a healthy and educated society to address the social needs of our people and promote human development. The third part will ensure that our nation has the core and productive infrastructure needed to build a sustainable, growing and connected nation. The fourth part covers economic development to achieve a prosperous, modern economy and jobs for our people. These three different aspects of Timor-Leste’s development will be built on an effective institutional framework, which is set out in part five, and a strong macroeconomic foundation which is discussed in part 6.

Part 7 sets out the conclusion and staging of the Strategic Development Plan to 2030.

Read more at http://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Timor-Leste-Strategic-Plan-2011-20301.pdf

  FORUM ON “TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN TIMOR-LESTE” ON 1ST APRIL 2014

H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste hosted a Forum on “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Timor Leste” in collaboration with the Ministry of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia at MATRADE Hall, Kuala Lumpur. 

The objective of the forum was to provide an insight on Timor-Leste’s economy relating to trade and investment developments and business opportunities as well as to take on any questions, proposals or ideas by the Malaysian businessman.

YB Datuk Ir. Hj. Hamim Samuri, Deputy Minister of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia delivered the Welcome Remarks at this forum.

At the Business Forum, the Prime Minister gave a keynote speech highlighting Timor Leste’s young and growing economy, the trade, investment and business opportunities.  The oil and gas sector is the main contributor to the economy. 

Other Sectors for Potential Investments include:

a) Fishery Investment – Timor Leste has a coast line of 730 km.  Actual productivity using mostly traditional fishing activities is 3600 ton/annum but there is potential to increase this to 640,000 tons per annum;

b) Life Stock – poultry and beef are currently imported from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Holland.  In 2012, imports of poultry amounted to 31,368 tons while beef accounted for 731.3 tons.   Other meats include pork and mutton which are also imported into Timor Leste.  A total of 1,561 tons of eggs was imported into the country in 2012, mainly from Malaysia and Australia.

c) Timor Leste is also promoting import substitution industries as most of their goods are imported.

d) Infrastructure and property development

He also extended an invitation to Malaysians to visit and do business in his country.

Mr Matthew Tee of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd and  President of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Mr Aziz Bahaman of Norwest Holdings Sdn Bhd and Deputy President of MBAM, both MASSA members were also present at the forum.

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Ms Florence Khoo represented MASSA at this forum.

 (center) H.E. Pedro Lay Da Silva, Minister of Transport And Communication of

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste with (left) Mr Matthew Tee and 

(right) Mr Aziz Bahaman  

(left to right) Ms Ng Su Fun, H.E. Pedro Lay Da Silva and Mr Aziz Bahaman

CONTACT DETAILS

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

62, Jalan Ampang Hilir

55000 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-4256 2046 / 4256 2078

Fax: +603-4256 2016

Email: embaixada_tl_kl@yahoo.com 

Greetings for 2014!  In this first edition for the year, we feature Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Kingdom of Morocco to encourage members to explore these two countries for business opportunities. 

The Kingdom of Morocco is strategically located in the north of the African continent, in close proximity to Spain and the European hinterland to the North and the vast African Continent to the South.  The Kingdom of Morocco offers potential for trade and investment prospects and opportunities for our goods and services.  Their Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will be pleased to meet and assist members on those matters.

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is located in South East Asia, in close proximity to Australia and Indonesia.  This young nation, gained independence in 2002 and has a population of 1.1 million. Timor-Leste is richly endowed with petroleum resources, and its economy is heavily dependent on this resource.  The Prime Minister, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, recently visited Malaysia and highlighted in a business forum in Kuala Lumpur that his country welcomes greater participation from Malaysian companies, especially in key sectors that include infrastructure, oil & gas, healthcare, mining, tourism and agriculture.

MASSA also works closely with the Embassy of Argentina in Kuala Lumpur.  Members would have received our email circulars highlighting a number of economic sectors in Argentina that have potential for collaboration.  We also encourage members to find out more about Latin America and Argentina in particular.

Showcase Bangladesh 2014 will be held in Kuala Lumpur later this year.  Plans are under way to stage an even bigger event than the previous shows.  Bangladesh has a population of 140 million and is brimming with domestic demands for a wide range of goods and services that Malaysia can offer.  MASSA Secretariat will keep members informed once the date of the showcase event is confirmed.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank members who have taken advertisements in our website.  We are confident that your corporate exposure on this South-South platform will be beneficial to your organisation and business.  We also want to encourage more members to come on board this advertising platform.

Fatimah Sulaiman
Editor

Bank Negara Malaysia’s Annual Report 2013 gave Malaysia an encouraging report for 2013.  The economy expanded by 4.7% in 2013 (2012 – 5.6%) driven by the continued strong growth in domestic demand, in spite of the continued economic weakness in the advanced countries, slower-than-expected growth in regional economies and the lower prices of Malaysia’s key commodities, that resulted in a marked decline in Malaysia’s exports.

The outlook for Malaysian economy in 2014 is expected to remain on a steady growth path, estimated to expand by 4.5% – 5.5%, driven mainly by domestic demand, growth in private investments, and supported by improvements in external demand, in turn, boosting our exports.  The underlying fundamentals of the Malaysian economy continue to remain strong.

As we enter the second quarter of 2014, we see global economic recovery gaining traction, especially in the U.S. and the Eurozone.  Barring unforeseen circumstances, Malaysia’s economy would benefit from the improvement in the global economic environment.  The regional economies and consequently the developing countries would also take the cue and benefit from the spin-offs from the improving global economy.

The South-South connections that have been built up over the years will enable us to strategically locate and access resources, labour and skills and technology that can give us the competitive edge.  MASSA will persevere in its efforts to highlight emerging trends and markets that can give Malaysian products and services the competitive edge.

We thank the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia and its sister agencies Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and especially its offices in the developing countries for their close cooperation to highlight and feedback emerging trends and business opportunities for the benefit of our members.  We encourage members to avail themselves to the services and counsel of MATRADE and MIDA in their quest to seek new markets for their products and services.

We also value the relationships with the many Embassies and High Commissions of the developing countries that are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  They have been a constant source of valuable economic information and business leads that have enabled our members to make successful inroads.

MASSA appreciates and needs the continuing support and cooperation of members and look forward to your participation.
 

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President

Myanmar and Malaysia SME Products and Services

Exhibition from 27 February to 2 March 2014

@ Yangon, Myanmar  

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) are co-organising the SME Products and Services Exhibition at Tatmadaw Hall in Yangon, Myanmar.  

MASSA is one of the supporting organisation for this 2nd exhibition  held to strengthen cooperation in promoting trade between Malaysia and Myanmar as well as to enhance Malaysian SME’s presence in the Myanmar market.    

The main objectives of this exhibition are to provide a platform for Malaysian business community, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to expand their network in Myanmar and be engaged directly with trade partners and consumers, to develop a strong, friendly and solid interpersonal business relationship with the local partners.

This exhibition is expecting to attract 147 SMEs to participate.   In conjunction with this exhibition, business matchings  and investment seminars will also be held and sectors targeted at the exhibition will be  manufacturing industries, wood-based industries, real estate developers, automobile spare parts, garment industries, and renewable energy, food processing, iron & steel, packaging, services and others.

Visit of Mr Riaan Le Roux, Chief Operating Officer

and delegation from Trade and Investment

South Africa (TISA) to MASSA Secretariat

on 26 September 2013

Mr Riaan Le Roux, Chief Operating Officer and delegation from the Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) visited MASSA Secretariat.  TISA is a division of the Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa tasked with growing South Africa’s exports and attracting foreign direct investments into South Africa.

Courtesy Call on President of MASSA by

Dr. Didar Singh, Secretary-General of Federation

of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI),

India on 30 September 2013

(right) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and (left) Dr. Didar Singh, Secretary-General, FICCI, India

(right) Dr. Didar Singh, Secretary-General, FICCI, India and Mr George Abraham, Regional Representative of FICCI based in Singapore

(left to right) Mr George Abraham, Tan Sri Azman Hashim and Dr. Didar Singh

Dr. Didar Singh, Secretary-General of the Federation of Indian  Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), India made a courtesy call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA at his office.  He was accompanied by Mr George Abraham, Regional Representative of FICCI based in Singapore at the meeting.

Members of MASSA EXCO present at this meeting were Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Dato’ J. Jegathesan, Datin Lalita Jegathesan, Assistant Consultant, JJ Ishwara Connect (JJIC), Malaysia and Mr Tan Kwe Hee, Group Advisor of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd. 

Malaysia-Vietnam Business & Investment Roundtable

with H.E. Hoang Trung Hai, Deputy Prime Minister of

Vietnam to Malaysia on 11 October 2013

ASLI and the Embassy of Vietnam in Malaysia jointly organised the Malaysia-Vietnam Business & Investment Roundtable with H.E. Hoang Trung Hai, Deputy Prime  Minister of Vietnam  at Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur.  The Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam delivered a Keynote Address with presentations from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Planning and Investment Vietnam at this event.

Tan Sri Dato’ Michael Chen Wing Sum, Vice-President of MASSA and Ms Florence Khoo represented MASSA at this event.

INTRADE Malaysia 2013 from 26 to 28 November 2013

MASSA Booth at INTRADE Malaysia 2013

Trade visitors making enquiries at MASSA Booth

Trade Visitors visited MASSA Booth

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with the support of  the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) organized the 7th International Trade Malaysia 2013 (INTRADE Malaysia 2013) at the Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur. 

MASSA was one of the supporting organisations at this annual international trade and export exhibition.

YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia officiated the Opening of INTRADE Malaysia  2013 with the themed “Revitalising Export Growth” for this year’s INTRADE Malaysia 2013.

 A total of 442 exhibition booths comprised 209 booths from Malaysian exhibitors and 233 booths from overseas exhibitors were taken up at this exhibition.

385 companies participated at INTRADE Malaysia 2013 with 181 Malaysian companies and 204 foreign companies from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Mauritius, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.  8,594 trade visitors visited the exhibition. 

4 main industry clusters were the focus of this year’s exhibition, i.e. Building Materials, Electrical and Electronics and ICT, Manufacturing Support and Lifestyle.

Other programmes which ran concurrently during the exhibition were Incoming Buying Mission (IBM), Kuala Lumpur International Trade Forum 2013 (KLITF 2013) and FTA @ INTRADE besides business matching sessions for participating business people and trade  visitors.  

ARGENTINA = TALENT + OPPORTUNITY

Why is Argentina one of the best places in the world to invest? Quite simply, it is an economy that has delivered opportunity, growth and profitability to local and foreign investors in almost every productive sector for over a decade.

The multiple advantages Argentina offers investors include highly qualified workers, plentiful natural resources, long-standing tradition of technological and industrial development, connectivity and infrastructure regional and global supportive of the development of innovative and high-value added activities.

Among the wide range of productive sectors stand out:

o Food and beverages: The country is a world leader in production and export of food.
o Biotechnology: Argentina has the largest number of biotech companies per capita in Latin America.
o Renewables: The country is the largest exporter and third largest producer of biodiesel and has great potential in wind energy, solar and hydro.
o Software & Computer Services: Multiple technological hubs across the country have innovative companies working in this sector.
o Creative industries: Argentina is the fourth largest exporter of television content.
o Wine industry: The country is the fifth largest producer of wine.
o Automotive and auto parts industry: Companies in the sector have a long history in the country and occupy the second in volume production in South America.
o Technical and professional services: Argentine professionals and technicians are internationally renowned for their high level of skill and creativity.

If you are considering investing in Argentina, the investor Cooperation area can provide you with personalized professional assistance to facilitate the investment process and foster the success of your investment.

Productive Investment Opportunities Database (BaPIP)

The Productive Investment Opportunities Database (BaPIP, for its acronym in Spanish) is an online portfolio of investment projects, representing a compilation of the diverse opportunities available to investors who want to participate in one of the most dynamic economies in the world.

BaPIP showcases investment projects permanently through the website, activities organized by the Foreign Ministry, the Argentine representations abroad, the Undersecretariat for Investment Development and Trade Promotion’s investor services area in Argentina and investment missions organized in other countries.

Through BaPIP, interested parties may access a project portfolio in a wide range of productive sectors and get a panoramic and unique view of the investment opportunities existing throughout the country. The database then provides potential investors with all the information they need to contact project owners to close deals and to form strategic partnerships.

BaPIP, active since May 2011, please visit the BaPIP website http://bapip.inversiones.gov.ar/en/  to get the project executive and summary. At present, there are 81 investment projects which value more than US$ 2.6 billion in ten (10) different sectors are awaiting for the foreign investors.

User Registration 

To view the executive summaries of the investment projects uploaded to the BaPIP, you will need to open a user account, for which you will be required to fill out a registration form that is confidential and will only be disclosed to the investment project owner with your consent.

To register and create a BaPIP user account, click on the “REGISTER” button.

The registration form for investors or investor representatives requires you to provide the following contact information:

• First name
• Last name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Institution you belong to
• Email address (which will be used as username)
• Website

For any further information or the investment projects, please go to the BaPIP website http://bapip.inversiones.gov.ar/en/ and register as a user to find out more investment opportunities in details. 

Should you require any further assistance, please contact:-

Embassy of The Argentine Republic in Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603- 2144 1451 / Fax: 603-2144 1428

Email: comercial2_emsia@mrcic.gov.ar
 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975.  Its mission is to promote economic integration in “all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial sectors, social and cultural matters.”

The fifteen West African States that constitute ECOWAS are:

            1)         Benin
            2)         Burkina Faso
            3)         Cape Verde
            4)         Cote D’Ivoire
            5)         Gambi
            6)         Ghana
            7)         Guinea
            8)         Guinea Bissau
            9)         Liberia
            10)       Mali
            11)       Niger
            12)       Nigeria
            13)       Senegal
            14)       Sierra Leone
            15)       Togo

The ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development are two main institutions designed to implement policies, pursue programmes and carry out development projects in member states. Such projects include intra-community road construction and telecommunications; and agricultural, energy and water resources development.

Mr Alfred Braimah, Director of Private Sector Development, ECOWAS  Commission led a delegation, to visit Malaysia from 18th to 22th November 2013 to attend the PIPOC 2013 (Palm Oil Conference) as well as to explore business partnership development opportunities between ECOWAS and Malaysia.

On 18th November 2013, MASSA Secretariat arranged a meeting for MASSA members to meet with the ECOWAS delegation to explore business opportunities in the member countries in the West Africa.   

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA  chaired the meeting.

(4th from left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA chairing the meeting

with (left to right) Ms Evonne Chim, Sime Darby Plantation, Mr Yap Chen Chong,

Syarikat Jun Chong Sdn Bhd,  Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Thong,

Vice-President, MASSA and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA

MASSA members and ECOWAS delegation at the meeting

ECOWAS delegation (from left to right) Mr Serge Bombo, Chair/Executive

Secretary, ECOWAS Trade & Enterprise Expert Network/Export Actors

Platform, Mr Philippe Tokpanou, Lead Consultant/Coordinator, ECOWAS, Export

Promotion &  & Enterprise Competitiveness for Trade,  Mr Alfred Braimah, Director,

Private Sector Development, ECOWAS Commission, Mr Enobong

Umoessien, Principal Programme Officer, ECOWAS Commission and

Mr Billy Gansah, Estate Manger, Okumu Oil Palm, Nigeria

Tan Sri Azman Hashim presenting a souvenir to Mr Alfred Braimah,

Director of Private Sector Development, ECOWAS

Group Photo (6th from left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim with MASSA Members

and ECOWAS delegation after the meeting

For more information, please contact:- 

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)   

5th Floor, Building of National Agriculture Chamber of Cote d’Ivoire,

Abidjan Plateau

27 PO Box 378 Abidjan 27

Tel./Fax: +225 20 32 9691

Email: contact@ecowas-ten.com

Website: www.ecowas-ten.com

     Flag of Papua New Guinea

 Location of Papua New Guinea in Southeast Asia

 Port Moresby, Capital of Papua New Guinea 

 Papua New Guinea At A Glance

Location:                         Located at the Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and  the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia.

Total Area:                      462,840 sq km (land: 452, 860 sq km, water: 9,980 sq km)

Government Type:        Constitutional parliamentary democracy and a commonwealth realm.  Achieved Independence on 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship).

Nationality:                    Papua New Guinean (s)

Ethnic Groups:              Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Capital:                            Port Moresby (population 314,000 (2009)

Population:                     6,431,902 (July 2013 est.)

Climate:                          Tropical, northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October), slight seasonal temperature variation.

Languages:                     Tok Pisin (official), English (official), Hiri Motu (official), some 836 indigenous languages spoken (about 12% of the world’s total); most languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers.

Note:  Tok Pisin, a creaole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiru Motu is spoken by less than 2%.

Religions:                         Roman Catholic 27%, Protestant 69.4%, Baha’i 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2,000 census).

Natural Resources:        Gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries

Agriculture (Products): Coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla, poultry, pork, shellfish

Industries:                        Copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production, mining (gold, silver and copper), crude oil production, petroleum refining, construction, tourism

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity):                 $19.41 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (Official Exchange Rate):                     $15.79 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (Real Growth Rate):                              9.1% (2012 est.)

GDP – Per Capita (PPP):                                $2,800 (2012 est.)

GDP – composition, by sector of origin:    Agriculture: 28%, Industry: 38.6%, Services: 33.4% (2012 est.)

Exports – Commodities:                                Oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Exports – Partners:                                         Australia 29%, Japan 9.6%, China 4.8% (2012)

Imports – Commodities:                                Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Imports – Partners:                                         Australia 36.3%, Singapore 13.8%, Malaysia 8.4%, China 7.9%, Japan 5.8%, US4.8%

(2012)

Currency:                                                          Kina (PNG)

Exchange Rate:                                                1 Kina (PNG) = USD 0.40

Dialling Code:                                                   +675

Sources: CIA – The World Factbook

Tourism Industry in Papua New Guinea  

1.    Overview

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has some of the beautiful and pristine scenery (both marine and on land) in the world. Its environment and intriguing culture remains untouched in an age of rapid development and industrialization. In line with other development policies, the government envisages the safeguard of the cultural, social and environmental resources of the country. These peculiarities make PNG a potential big tourist destination.

However, the sector is yet far from being developed to its full potential.

In PNG, annual arrivals have remained just one tenth of Fiji’s (estimated 500,000) and the purpose of visit of most of them continue to be business related travels (possibly linked to oil and mining) rather than holidays. The number of holiday visitors has actually shrunk in 1998 when they totaled almost 22,500 compared to just 14,800 holiday-makers in 2003. In 2005 the figure for holiday makers increased to approximately 18,000 which is a marked improvement from 2003.  Arrivals for business and conferences have also declined but by less than in the case of holiday-related visits.

Significant numbers of tourist visitors come from Japan, USA, and other European markets (UK, Russia, Scandinavia, Germany and Italy. The Australian market is the single largest source of inbound travel to PNG comprising over half of total visitors and 20% of these visitors account for holiday/leisure.

Tourism has one of the biggest potentials of all the sectors and could, if well developed; offer badly needed employment and income opportunities, also at village level. Guest houses, hotels, lodges and tour operating are some of the areas that offer opportunities for investors. The government has targeted tourism as a priority area for economic development of the country and for the creation of employment opportunities at rural and urban levels. PNG however remains expensive for most potential tourists and provides good value for money to only the real adventure travelers. Most of potential customers indeed feel that the cost for tourists is comparably high in relation to other countries and tourism places.

2.    PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), a statutory organization established by the government, is responsible for the development and expansion of tourism in Papua New Guinea. Its activities are mainly directed at the marketing of PNG as a tourist destination and a safe location for hospitality investment. Results to date, however, are disappointing and reasons often mentioned are related to high travel cost to and from PNG, lack of information abroad and within the country, high domestic transport cost and lack of road and other infrastructure, unbalanced relation between value received and money to be paid, law and order problems. This is to be seen against high tourism potentials within PNG which is often only known to tourism insiders in niche areas. Presently a master plan is being elaborated which would then serve as a guideline for further tourism development and promotion. The TPA is currently promoting new investments in major tourism facilities, such as large scale resorts.

In March 2006 TPA participated in the world’s largest tourism fair, the “International Tourism Fair” (ITB) in Berlin/Germany. Appropriate packages including financial incentives for investors are available. Planning guidelines and suitable sites have been identified but investors are now needed to develop these projects.  Whilst this is being done by TPA as the core agency, other institutions, including Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Commerce and Industry, might also support this developing initiative with appropriate trade policies in services.

Within any tourism related assistance, support should also focus on helping in capacity building related to provision of more efficient international tourism services through Small and Medium Enterprises, pro-poor tourism programs to encourage employment and income generation.

3.    Key Tourism Products

• Accommodation

There are approximately 212 hotels and accommodation outlets in PNG although only 65 are featured on the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) website.

• Tour and Inbound Operators

There are approximately 13 travel agents and 25 tour operators operating throughout PNG. The PNG TPA has supported the establishment of the PNG Tour Operators Association which has 12 registered members. The majority of the tour operators are small and focus on tour operations with 10 operating as inbound, the larger tour operators include Melanesian Tourist Services and Trans Niugini Tours who operate their resorts and operate own tours. These two companies have taken a proactive role in promoting PNG as a tourism destination over the last 20 years through international trade shows and consumer and trade marketing.

• Key Product segments

PNG has a wealth of nature based and cultural products which form the basis of the tourism products. The key product segments include:

 a) Diving

PNG is recognized as a world class dive destination by dive industry bodies and publications. The dive sector is well organized through the Dive Industry Association (DIA) which coordinates the promotion of diving and is successful in gaining recognition for the quality of diving in PNG. The DIA receives support funding from TPA per annum for promotional purposes.

b) Trekking and Climbing

Trekking represents a growth market in PNG. This product is generally placed at the ‘hard adventure’ end of the market. The development and promotion of the Kokoda Trail has been particularly successful in the last four years. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 tourists trekked the Kokoda Trail in 2006 and this figure increased in 2008. Other treks that are been developed include around Mt Wilhem and the Black Cat.

c) World War II (WW II) History

This is an important sector for PNG and although it is restricted to the Japanese and Australian markets, the WW II history product impacts upon all the other major segments. For example, the primary motivation for undertaking Kokoda is because of its association with WW II rather than because of it might be the most interesting scenically. The current WW II heritage market is centred in Rabaul, Milne Bay and Kokoda.

Concerns have been raised about the long term sustainability of this product due to the lack of conservation/ protection measures in place in PNG.

d) Surfing

Surfing represents an emerging market for PNG and it is currently focused on Kavieng and Vanimo, with the Nusa Island Resort catering for the majority of the surfers traveling to PNG. Surfing is seasonal and it is estimated that the number of surfers arriving has increased from between one to fifteen hundred per annum. The primary potential market is Australia followed by Japan.

The PNG Surfing Association is a new and well organized body that has developed number of special events which have potential to increase the number of visitors and provide greater media exposure for PNG.

e) Culture

PNG has a very unique diverse culture in the world and provides a destination with a unique selling point. The cultural shows held in Mt Hagen, Goroka, Rabual, Port Moresby and Daru attract a lot of visitors from mainly Europe and United States.

f) Bird Watching

PNG has approximately 13 percent of the worlds’ exotic bird species (equates to 1,296 birds). Bird watching is an extremely significant segment within the nature based recreation market.

g)  Flora and Fauna

PNG has a range of special specialist flora and fauna products which have potential to attract a greater number of tourists. PNG offers a significant diversity and concentration of many rare plants and animals, including orchards, insects, butterflies and bats. In addition, there are outstanding natural areas which may appeal to a wide range of tourists.

h) Fishing

PNG has an excellent sport – fishing product (eg bass and barramundi) which is gradually developing together with game fishing. The major source market is Australia, although there are opportunities to attract specialist fisherman from the USA and Europe.
 

i)  Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE)
PNG is well positioned to bid and host regional conferences. PNG is a member of regional/international organizations and recently hosted several international conferences (South Pacific Tourism Conference, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific – European Union Meetings)

j) Cruise Ships

The cruise shipping market is one of the fastest growing segments globally for the Tourism industry and it is growing from a relatively small base in PNG. Cruise ship visits have increased recently.

4. The development of the Tourism Industry

Tourism is advocated as being of social and environmental benefit, as well as being an earner of foreign exchange. It is therefore an industry that, if well managed, has the potential to offset development assistance. In PNG, however, there is no cohesive and coordinated approach to tourism. The resulting disjointedness of approach acts as a deterrent to attracting tourists to PNG. Poor marketing because of limited facilities and promotional funds also make tourism a hit and miss, industry particularly when many of the destinations are not part of the routes of the world’s major airlines. In addition, infrastructure to support the industry has not been fully developed.

However, there is no doubt that PNG has significant potential for tourism given the diversity and uniqueness of its natural and cultural resources. Clearly the sector has not developed in a way that has allowed it to maximize the potential that exists and therefore to deliver the range of potential benefits for the people of PNG. Efforts are required to enhance the tourism sector and options for regional marketing and promotion, raising awareness of PNG as a destination have to be explored.

Given tourism’s potential, resources should be directed to the industry through the public sector of the government rather than regarding the industry as an exclusively private sector function. The current government is committed to achieving growth in the sector and working with all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

For further informations on the above, please contact:-

His Excellency  Veali Vagi

High Commissioner

Papua New Guinea High Commission Kuala Lumpur

No. 11, Lingkungan U-Thant

Off Jalan U-Thant

55000 Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA

Tel: +603-4257 5405;  +603-4257 9260;

Fax: +603-4257 6203;   

Email: kundukl@streamyx.com

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority

P.O. Box 1291

Port Moresby

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

Tel: +675-320 0211;  Fax: +675-320 0223

 Email: info@pngtourism.org.pg

Website: http://tpa.papuanewguinea.travel