The Malaysia-Cambodia Business Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council) was formally established on 22 November 2010 with the principal aim of promoting and fostering closer relations between Malaysia and Cambodia, particularly in establishing mutual understanding, goodwill, harmony and fraternity amongst the business communities of both countries.

The Council’s objective is, amongst others, to encourage co-operation and collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. To this end, there is also a separate chapter in Cambodia which is called the Cambodia-Malaysia Business Council. Together, the two Business Councils aim to facilitate, systematise, and enhance the bilateral business relationship between Malaysia and Cambodia.

Membership
The Council has an initial membership of 14 members representing corporations with diverse business interests in Cambodia.

Trade Delegation
Prior to the establishment of the Council, its pro-tem members at that time had led a business delegation to Cambodia in 2010 to discuss, amongst other investment and trade opportunities, the low frequency of flights between Malaysia and Cambodia as well as Malaysia’s drop in ranking as an investor.

Future Activities
The Council aspires to expand its membership to companies interested in undertaking business activities in Cambodia. In this regard, the Council has an open policy with respect to prospective members and it offers three types of membership, namely ordinary membership (for corporations), associate membership (for lawfully established organisations, ex. partnerships) and honorary membership (for individuals, by invitation from the Council).

Azmi & Associates have been appointed the Honorary Secretary to the Council and can be contacted at: Level 14, Menara Keck Seng, 203 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2118 5082/03-2118 5160   • E-mail: sheikazri@azmilaw.com or yasmine@azmilaw.com

Background Of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) was established under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) as the primary agency to develop and promote the healthcare travel industry and position Malaysia as the healthcare destination of choice in the region.

Many healthcare travellers know about Singapore and Thailand but not many have heard about Malaysia being a healthcare travel destination. This is a jewel that has been guarded for a long time. Unless tourists come, see and experience it for themselves, they will not know the high quality of Malaysia healthcare. One of the advantages Malaysia has is the competitive cost of care and a favourable exchange rate.

If you’re searching for a medical tourism destination, look no further than Malaysia. Currently there are 63 private hospitals and healthcare facilities registered under MHTC that provide services to foreign patients.

Private Healthcare In Malaysia 
Today, with the support of the Malaysian Government, a large number of Malaysian private hospitals are actively participating in health tourism. The country offers medical services in a wide range of fields, including cancer treatment and pain management, cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, fertility treatment, general screening and wellness, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitative medicine.

The medical and dental services offered by medical facilities in Malaysia are on par with those in well developed nations. The costs are considerably less than similar ones in neighbouring countries. Malaysian doctors and specialists are highly qualified, having received their training at industry-leading medical schools overseas, in countries such as the United Kingdom and United States, as well as established local universities.

With top-notch medical services providing reliable, safe and effective treatment in comfortable surroundings, ease of access and affordable prices, Malaysia has become a leading choice for foreign patients seeking healthcare treatment abroad. Many private hospitals carry the internationally recognised Joint Commission International (JCI) and/or Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) certification. What’s more, many Malaysian doctors received their postgraduate training in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and India.

Malaysia Quality Care
Healthcare in Malaysia is well regulated and patients receiving medical care in Malaysian healthcare facilities can have peace of mind and need not have to worry about quality of care provided. Under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, the Malaysian Government monitors the quality of private healthcare, and requires that all hospitals be licensed, facilities be up to standard and medical practitioners are qualified and registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

The Ministry of Health Malaysia wants to ensure that healthcare travel offered by these providers are holistic, comprehensive and meet the highest standard of quality medical care with emphasis on patient safety. Services offered include secondary, tertiary and specialised care complete with highly trained and skilled personnel, state- of-the-art diagnostic equipment, modern facilities, competitive cost of treatment and excellent hospitality.

BE ASSURED OF QUALITY CARE AND ADDED PEACE OF MIND WHEN RECEIVING HEALTHCARE TREATMENT IN MALAYSIA.

Caring For Your Health
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE these days are health conscious and seeking quality healthcare that can help them lead a healthier life. The latest medical technologies and new, safer procedures make complicated surgeries easier than ever. This has helped build the confidence of patients, especially foreign patients seeking healthcare treatment in Malaysia.

The recent emergence of non or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser treatments, has revolutionised plastic surgery, making Malaysia a preferred destination for cosmetic procedures ranging from cellulite reduction to facial rejuvenation.

Language Competency
One of Malaysia’s biggest plus points for foreigners seeking medical treatment is that almost all Malaysians speak English. This is especially so among healthcare practitioners and support staff as it is important for your doctor to be able to clearly explain what to expect from your surgery as well as how to take care of yourself after the procedure.

So, whether it is a minor cosmetic correction during an extended holiday or major surgery, the quest ends here. There are countless reasons that account for Malaysia’s growing popularity as a healthcare destination.

DISCOVER THE LATEST STATE-OF-THE-ART SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN MALAYSIA. LOOK AND FEEL GOOD WITH SAFE, COST-EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE PROCEDURES.

Ease Of Entry
MHTC also looks into facilitating the ease of entry from door to door to enable health travellers to obtain treatment without much hassle. MHTC acts as a one-stop centre for all matters related to healthcare. Besides facilitating ease of entry, the council also deals with enquiries on the scope of services offered, policies and programmes as well as the quality development of healthcare to give foreign visitors total peace of mind when they are in Malaysia for treatment.

Getting to Malaysia is also easy with over 40 airlines arriving and departing the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on a daily basis, including the country’s national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS). The state-of-the-art airport is strategically located at Sepang, about 50km or an hour’s drive from the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.

HEALTHCARE TREATMENT IN MALAYSIA: A SEAMLESS PROCESS!

Add A Holiday Stay 
Malaysia is also one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations, possessing an endless range of tourist attractions and activities for you and your family as it caters for the cosmopolitan shoppers, cultural enthusiasts, history buffs and nature-lovers. Comprising Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which is part of the Borneo archipelago, Malaysia will truly amaze you with a unique shopping experience, the splendour of its cultural arts and natural heritage as well as its rich flora and fauna.

Consider combining your treatment with a holiday during your recuperation period. Many patients bring family members who can provide encouragement and support during treatment. Malaysia offers visitors beautiful unspoiled beaches and ecotourism experiences, cosmopolitan cities with world-class shopping and magnificent nightlife, and a fabulous range of cuisine choices due to its multi-ethnic mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY, ALL WITHIN A TROPICAL PARADISE LIKE NO OTHER. THAT’S THE MALAYSIA PROMISE.

So if you are seeking quality treatment at competitive rates, look into what Malaysia Healthcare can offer. You may well find the holiday experience of a lifetime that brings you home looking and feeling years younger!

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Unit A-13-8, Level 13, Tower A, Menara UOA Bangsar,
No.5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 2283 2003 • Fax: +603 2283 1025 • Email: info@mhtc.org.my
Website: www.mhtc.org.my

SHOWCASE BANGLADESH 2012 is set to become the most exciting event for the second time in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Besides reinforcing the branding of Bangladesh, the focus of this event is on the Remittance issue for Bangladeshi Banks and exchange houses. It would be a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi Banks and exchange houses to extend improved services to Bangladeshi expatriates and also to meet their Malaysian counterparts.

The main objectives of this showcase are to promote Bangladesh and project a strong country branding of image, heritage and culture to Malaysians. The other objectives of the Fair is to provide a platform for non-resident Bangladeshis in Malaysia to discover the latest remittance services offered by different banks. It will also help to develop the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia, as well as introduce Bangladeshi products and services to potential buyers and importers from Malaysia.

The other activities of the events include business seminars highlighting the Role of Immigrants in the Economic Development of Bangladesh and Cross Border Investment opportunities with an emphasis on Tourism Development.

A grand gala dinner followed by a Bangladeshi Cultural Night will be organised where high profile Political Leaders, Ministers, Diplomats, Business & Chamber Leaders, Government Officials and registered delegates will attend.

There are an estimated 500,000 Bangladeshis now in Malaysia who will benefit from the Remittance Network. An expected 50,000 Bangladeshi expatriates as well as Malaysian visitors are expected to visit this Fair to meet business and trade partners where there will be opportunities to establish wider and stronger business networks and relationships.

We welcome you to visit Showcase Bangladesh 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

For more information on Showcase Bangladesh 2012, exhibition stalls or advertisement in the Official Souvenir Programme, please contact:

Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI)
House # 14, Road # 27, Block # J, Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh.
Tel: (880-2) 989 5124, 989 5525 • Fax: (880-2) 989 5541
E-mail: bmcci@dhaka.net • Website: www.bmcci.org.bd

Bangladesh High Commission
Block 1, Lorong Damai 7, Jalan Damai, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2148 2862 • H/P: 012-257 2800 • Fax: +603-2142 8093, +603-2141 3381
E-mail: mrbsiddique@gmail.com

YAB Prime Minister recently made an inaugural official visit to Myanmar in April 2012 which paved the way for corporate Malaysia to engage with Myanmar. Fresh from this visit, MASSA and The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce And Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) organised a joint Trade and Investment Mission to Yangon from 26 to 30 April 2012. The mission was led by YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, ACCCIM Executive Adviser and MASSA EXCO Member, and comprised 28 members of ACCCIM and MASSA. The delegation members were briefed at meetings held with The Republic of The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) and Malaysian-Myanmar Business Council (MMBC). The pace of economic reformation in Myanmar is fast gaining traction and this augurs well for business and investments. We thank YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong for his untiring efforts in leading the mission. YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Soong is also the economic advisor to UMFCCI and has been regularly sharing his time, expertise and resources to uplift the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Myanmar.

MASSA in the first quarter of 2012, also received two delegations: one led by the Hon. Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Estonia and the other led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia.

In this edition, we also feature a write-up on the Malaysia-Cambodia Business Council (MCBC), led by YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli Kushairi who is also MASSA’s EXCO member. Cambodia is an emerging country in ASEAN which offers interesting trade and investment prospects and opportunities for the Malaysian business community.

We also feature an article from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council. Malaysian private healthcare service providers in Malaysia offer quality and affordable medical treatments in Malaysia which meet the highest standards of quality and patient care. A total of 63 Malaysian private hospitals are participating in what is termed as “health tourism” – a burgeoning sector, offering state-of-the-art services and the opportunity to combine one’s treatment with a holiday!

We would like to thank all our contributors and especially YBhg Datuk Dr. Rebecca Sta Maria, Secretary-General of MITI for her informative article on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Fatimah Sulaiman
Editor

As we enter the second quarter of 2012, we see the world economy continue to confront many challenges. The recovery of the global economy in 2012 continues to be dampened by the ongoing Eurozone sovereign debt crisis. Advanced economies continue to be burdened with high unemployment, continued deleveraging by banks and restrained credit conditions. These unfolding situations will have some impact on the emerging and developing economies in 2012.

The Malaysian economy, being a highly open one, is not insulated from these global developments. It continued to expand in 2011, albeit at a slower rate compared to 2010. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 5.1% year-on-year in 2011. Growth for 2012 is expected to be between 4.5 – 5%, sustained by strong domestic demand driven by household and business spending and higher public sector consumption. This is made possible against a backdrop of moderating inflationary pressures, stable and accommodative interest rates and adequate liquidity in the market.

We continue to witness the increasing shift of axis of economic growth to Asia. Malaysia is well placed to be a beneficiary of this global shift to Asia. Our business connections in the developing countries can place us in a strategic position to enhance our competitiveness. We urge members to continue to develop and deepen their business linkages with the developing countries.

Together with the support and assistance from MITI and its agencies, MATRADE and MIDA, we must innovate new business strategies and develop win-win solutions to navigate the challenging business environment.

We are grateful for the support and assistance of the High Commissions and Embassies of the developing countries that are based in Malaysia as well as our Malaysian counterparts overseas and Malaysian business diaspora based in the developing countries. Through their presence, support and network, our roles in MASSA have been made more effective.

TAN SRI AZMAN HASHIM
President

Visit of Mr Zaw Min Win, Chairman of Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) and Vice-President of UMFCCI, Myanmar to Malaysia on 7 June 2012

Mr Zaw Min Win, Chairman of Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) and Vice-President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Myanmar visited Malaysia in June 2012 following ACCCIM and MASSA’s joint business mission to Myanmar in April 2012.

In conjunction with his visit to Malaysia, Mr Zaw Min Win called on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and met MASSA members on 7 June 2012 in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Zaw Min Win updated MASSA on the current economic situation in Myanmar and extended a welcome to MASSA members to visit and explore the potential to engage in business with the members of MIA and UMFCCI.

Visit of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)
Delegation to Malaysia on 6 to 9 June 2012

Mr Sayed Nurul Islam, Member (Investment Promotion) of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and Mr S.K. Abdul Ahad of the Prime Minister’s Office of Bangladesh led a 5-member investment promotion delegation to Malaysia from 6 to 9 June 2012. BEPZA is the official organisation of the Bangladesh Government under the Prime Minister’s office to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

In conjunction with the visit, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, in his capacity as Executive Adviser of ACCCIM and also EXCO member of MASSA, welcomed the Bangladesh delegation to meet members of ACCCIM and MASSA at ACCCIM’s office on 8 June 2012. The meeting provided an opportunity for information exchange among participants as well as a platform for BEPZA delegates to brief members on the business and investment offerings in the EPZs.

Courtesy Call on President of MASSA by 2 Officials of the Embassy of
the Republic of Indonesia in Malaysia on 8 June 2012

Bapak Hendra Satya Pramana, Counsellor (Economics) (on the right) and (left) Bapak Muhammad Iqbal Maulana, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Malaysia made a courtesy call on President of MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim at his office on 8 June 2012.

21st Annual General Meeting of MASSA held on 25 June 2012

MASSA held its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Restoran Seri Melayu, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur on 25 June 2012. Members attending the AGM were treated to a sumptuous luncheon buffet spread after the meeting.

It is no secret that China has been long identified as a rising economic superpower by academics and experts. It has large current account surpluses, a small budget deficit and solid growth. As one of the best global equity market performers in the world, it continues to show the potential for further growth in the years ahead on the back of healthy fundamental performance.

Since the free trade area among China and ASEAN countries came into effect in 2010, economic cooperation between both sides has never been more dynamic and fruitful. China has become ASEAN’s largest trading partner and ASEAN remains China’s third largest trading partner with an average annual growth rate of more than 20 percent. Driven by soaring market demand, the value of trade between China and ASEAN countries is expected to exceed 500 billion USD by 2015.

With China serving as an engine of economic growth that helps spur the development of the entire region, it comes as no surprise that many companies are seeking to enter the Chinese market directly. In order to do this, investors will need in-depth business management knowledge, China market expertise and strong financial strength.

In facilitating business owners to enjoy smooth entry into the Chinese market, Low Yat Group introduces its latest overseas development in China, the China-Asean SME Trade Centre (CASMETC), that offers various incentives and privileges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). CASMETC serves as a one-stop centre for SMEs seeking to invest and set up manufacturing concerns in China while helping to promote their products, commodities and services. With the help of CASMETC, SMEs can find their footing and explore the Chinese market confidently.

The first phase of CASMETC, spanning an area of 336,835 sq. ft. and valued at RM320 million, consists of 7 blocks with 213 units of retail, F&B, commercial and office space built on a gross floor area of 412,699 sq. ft. Besides boosting the economy and improving standards of living, the development of CASMETC aims to bring synergy as well as a vibrant, yet familiar South East Asia flavor to the thriving metropolis of Changshu and its surrounding areas.

Changshu City, The Vibrant Economic Hub

CASMETC is strategically located in the historically and culturally famous city renowned for its prosperity, Changshu, which location plays a significant role in the assured success of this innovative development. By means of prosperity, Changshu’s GDP reached 84 billion ringgit recently, ranking among the top 10 countries within China.

The city falls inder the Changshu Southeast Economic Zone (CSDZ) which benefits from attractive preferential policies from the Chinese Government and has become the pulsing heart of China’s largest metropolitan hub in Jiangsu province. More that 2,000 foreign enterprises have invested in Changshu including big names such as Toyota, Continental AG and Delphi Corporation and the city ranks among the Top 3 in Comprehensive Competitiveness among country-level cities for the past 20 years.

For SMEs looking to expand their business horizons in a booming economic scene of China, CASMETC essentially offers more business opportunities, encourage intra-regional exports and investment; and promotes tourism, education and cultural exchange. This forward-thinking project signals the myriad opportunities that await the ASEAN businessmen with interest in the Chinese market such as:

About The Developer

CASMETC is developed by the prestigious Low Yat Group, a well-diversified developer and investment group in Malaysia. Over the past 65 years, the group has maintained a steady growth and presence in property development and investments. With their sound expertise and experience accumulated over the years, Low Yat Group embarks on this new venture to bring forth ASEAN SMEs into China with ease.

For leasing and further information, please call
Tel: +603 2615 0200
HP: +6012 3131 326 (Sally) +6012 191 3123 (Janice)
www.casmetc.com

Changshu Platinum Landmark Ltd
(A Member of Low Yat Group)
Unit 115, Block 7, Hui Huang Yin He Building,
No.62, Huangpujian Road, South East Development Zone,
Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China PRC. Postcode:215500
Tel: +86 512 5230 8892/512 5230 8893 Email:info@casmetc.com

Changshu is a famous historical and cultural city as well as an emerging port-based industrial city. Encompassing a total area of 1,264 sq km, Changshu has a population of nearly two million, including one million temporary residents.

1. Location Advantages
Changshu is located in the southeast of Jiangsu province, the richest and most fertile land in the Yangtze River Delta. It is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Suzhou. Facing the Yangtze River to the northeast, the city borders Taicang, Suzhou and Zhangjiagang to the south, southwest and northwest respectively. It is also about 45km north of Suzhou and 90km west of Shanghai. Changshu boasts an ideal geographic advantage with integrated air, ground and water transportation networks. It has the highest highway density in the Jiangsu province (three times the average highway density of the entire province).

The Changshu Southeast Economic Development Zone (CSDZ) borders the southeast side of the Changshu urban area. It is a provincial-level development zone with a planned area of 108 sq km.

With comparative advantages in geographical location as well as transportation, basic infrastructure, human resource and investment costs, CSDZ was ranked No. 4 among the Top 10 Most Competitive Development Zones in the Yangtze River Delta in 2010.

2. Ecomonic Overview
Due to the rapid development of the last few decades, the growth rate of Changshu has been recorded at more than 15% for consecutive years, with financial revenue growth above 20% annually. In 2011, its GDP reached RMB172 billion and financial revenue totalled RMB25 billion, including the local government budgetary revenue of RMB12 billion. For several consecutive years, Changshu has been among the Top 5 of the 100 strongest county-level cities in China.

3. Culture And Education
As Changshu people were major founders of the Wu culture in the Yangtze River Delta some 3000 years ago, Changshu was fittingly named as a National Historical and Cultural City in China. Over this time, many famous celebrities, scholars and artists have emerged from the city. Changshu people traditionally respect education and culture. Till today, Changshu is still famous for its profound cultures. Presently, there is one university, one international school, six vocational schools, 40 high schools and 60 elementary schools besides others.

4. A Prosperous Business Environment

Changshu is one of the important transportation hubs in Shanghai Region. A sound logistics network has been fostered to ensure high efficiency and low cost. CSDZ has well-built Infrastructure, facilities and excellent industrial supply chain comprising industries such as electronics, machinery, automobile, Research & Development integration, manufacturing, supply, sales, software, E-business, service outsourcing and so on. Till today, there have been 300 foreign-funded enterprises established in CSDZ, such as TOYOTA, SANYI, Continental, Heraeus, Delphi, Mitsubishi, Kohler and many others.

Multinational Companies at CSDZ:

5. Briefing Of CSDZ
• Year of establishment: 2003
• Geographic area: 108 sq km, with Phase 1 covering 54 sq km
• Accumulative total FDI: US$10 billion
• Accumulative registered FDI: US$6.5 billion
• Around 300 FIEs from over 25 countries and regions; 10 of which are invested in by Global Fortune 500 Enterprises
• The leading industries we serve include auto parts and precision machinery industry, electronic information industry including opto-electronics industry, etc, service outsourcing industry, E-business, financial such as venture capital, etc. and software.

6. Supporting Government Facilities
• Changshu Customs’ office headquarters is under construction at present. Once complete, the building will offer related customs services for companies in the CSDZ.
• Changshu Import & Export Inspection & Quarantine Bureau will move from downtown to the CSDZ, which will make it more convenient for companies in the CSDZ.
• World-class and local cost-effective logistic companies make logistic services more flexible in this zone.
• CSDZ offer full-direction government support to companies in the zone from registration to operations.

7. Talent Resources
• Changshu Institute of Science and Technology supplies 3,700 graduates each year
• Largest vocational training school in Jiangsu province with a total area of 330,000 sqm and 40,000 sqm practice zone
• Enrollment of over 7,500 students
• Total 300 million investment for software and hardware facilities development

The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) in 2004, marked a major milestone in ASEAN-China economic relations. It was ASEAN’s first FTA. It heralded the integration of one of the fastest growing regions with an equally fast growing emerging economy. ACFTA is collectively a market of over 1.9 billion with a combined GDP of US$7.6 billion. ASEAN’s GDP of US$1.8 billion represents 32% of the GDP of China. In terms of purchasing power parity, the combined GDP of ASEAN and China is US$13 trillion. In fact, ACFTA is one of the largest free trade areas in the world.

To a large extent the decision to embark on this initiative has paid off. With the strengthening of relations, China has today surpassed the US and the EU to be ASEAN’s largest trading partner. The share of China’s trade with ASEAN rose from 4.3% in 2000 to 11.3% in 2010.

ASEAN-China trade increased from US$130.4 billion in 2005 when the Trade In Goods Agreement of ACFTA entered into force in July 2005 to US$362.85 billion in 2011. According to Chinese statistics for 2011, ASEAN is now China’s third largest trading partner compared with 2005 when ASEAN was its fifth largest trading partner.

Tariffs are no longer a hindrance to the expansion of trade between ASEAN and China. Tariffs have been gradually eliminated or reduced under the ACFTA. On 1 January 2012, ASEAN-6 (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore) and China eliminated import duties on over 90% of the products.

With tariffs out of the way, ASEAN and China are intensifying work to address issues related to sanitary and phytosanitary and technical barriers to trade. The Protocol to incorporate sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade into the agreement on Trade In Goods of the ACFTA is scheduled to be signed at the ASEAN-China Summit in November 2012. The objective of the Protocol is to strengthen cooperation and facilitate and promote Trade In Goods by ensuring that technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures are in place to facilitate trade.

Besides trade, the services sectors were also given a boost with the relaxation of equity conditions under the ASEAN-China Trade In Services Agreement, signed in 2007.

From the perspective of investments, the ASEAN-China Investment Agreement was signed in 2009. Chinese Foreign Direct Investments in ASEAN continue to increase, from US$1.51 billion in 2009 to US$5.91 billion in 2011. However, this is still not as significant as that of the EU, Japan and the US.

What started out as an initiative to deepen trade and investment ties has today grown into a strategic one, mutually reinforcing and covering not only trade and investment but a wide range of sectors including transport, agriculture, standards and conformance, telecommunications and tourism.

Despite the challenges of the uncertainties prevailing in the global economy, ASEAN and China have continued to register strong positive annual average GDP growth. This partnership will continue to be the cornerstone of ASEAN’s economic approach to regional economic integration.

Malaysia-China Economic Ties Strengthening

China is today Malaysia’s leading trade partner. In 2011, Malaysia-China trade totalled US$54.53 billion, a more than 6-fold increase compared with that of a decade ago. Malaysia’s exports to China in 2011 amounted to US$29.82 billion while imports from China totalled US$24.71 billion. For the period January to June 2012, total trade amounted to US$28.76 billion, with exports at US$14.32 billion and imports, US$14.44 billion.

The Malaysian business community is actively making use of the preferences accorded under ACFTA to export to China. The utilisation of preferential Certificates of Origin (COO) under ACFTA has been increasing. Under the ACFTA, a total of 47,097 preferential COOs were issued in 2011 valued at US$6.85 billion compared to US$1.04 billion (9,650 COOs) in 2006. For the period from January to June 2012, a total of 32,014 preferential COOs were issued with a total export value of US$4.64 billion.

Malaysia-China economic relations moved to yet another level with the agreement by both countries to establish the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (KIP) and the Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP). The QIP, a 55 sq km industrial park, located in the middle of China’s Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Development Zone, will be developed in three phases and is expected to be completed within 15 years. The development of QIP would provide new business opportunities in 5 major sectors, i.e., equipment manufacturing, food processing, bio-technology, modern services, IT and new materials. The KIP is a 1,500 acre park located in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and situated only 1,100 nautical miles away from QIP. The establishment of both QIP and KIP reflects China and Malaysia’s commitment towards deepening economic relations.

Ministry Of International Trade And Industry

Block 10, Government Offices Complex, Jalan Duta, 50622 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +603-6200 0000 • Fax: +603-6201 2337 • Email: webmiti@miti.gov.my
Website: http://www.miti.gov.my

The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia, Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) successfully organised Showcase Bangladesh 2012 for the second time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was held from 13 to 15 July 2012 at Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square).

The main objectives of the Showcase were to promote Bangladesh and project a strong country branding of image, heritage and culture in Malaysia. The event also aimed to encourage and promote networking between Bangladesh and the Malaysian business community to foster greater awareness of Bangladeshi products and services in Malaysia.

The Showcase was inaugurated by Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohammed, Hon. Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia. Mr. Ghulam Muhammed Quader, M.P., Hon. Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Dr. Hasan Mahmud, M.P., Hon. Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh were present as special guests. H.E. A. K. M. Atiqur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Malaysia, Syed Nurul Islam, President of BMCCI, Syed Moazzam Hossain, Chairman of the Organising Committee (Showcase Bangladesh 2012) and IPP of BMCCI as well as Ar. Md. Alamgir Jalil, Hon. Secretary General of BMCCI and Exhibition Director also spoke at the inaugural session which were attended by foreign diplomats, high government officials, business leaders from Bangladesh and Malaysia and members of BMCCI. The function was widely covered by both print and electronic media in both countries. About 350 guests, mostly businessmen from the two countries, attended the inaugural function.

50 companies/organisations, including the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh, participated in the 3-day event that featured 60 stalls promoting Bangladeshi products and services. More than 15,000 visitors, comprising both trade visitors and the general public, attended the Showcase which garnered more than 500 trade enquiries during and after the event.

Approximately 130 Bangladeshi businessmen, including exhibitors who represent a wide range of products and services such as banking and insurance, ready-made garments (both woven and knitted), home textiles, handicrafts and handloom products, jute and jute products, hotel and tourism, food and beverages, Halal foods, herbal products, rubber and rubber products, real estate and housing, participated in the trade show. Close to 100 one-to-one business matching meetings were organised during the fair, where a good number of local businessmen exchanged their business information, successfully concluded business deals with their counterparts and signed numerous MOUs. Participating banks in the Showcase opened 3,500 bank accounts for non-resident Bangladeshis in Malaysia.

SEMINAR ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN BANGLADESH

On the sidelines of the Showcase, a seminar on Business Opportunities in Bangladesh was organised on 13 July 2012, hosted by the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA). Syed Moazzam Hossain, IPP of BMCCI and Chairman of the Organising Committee of Showcase Bangladesh 2012, chaired the seminar. The objectives of the seminar were to promote the various business opportunities in Bangladesh and the potential of enhancing trade and investment between the two countries. In his welcome address, Mr. Syed Nurul Islam, President of BMCCI, referred to the large trade gap that exists between Bangladesh and Malaysia. He highlighted that there were opportunities for Malaysians to invest in Bangladesh in many sectors of the economy, particularly in the RMG as well as Tourism and Food Sectors.

Dr. Hasan Mahmud, M.P., Hon. Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was the Chief Guest. Mr. Ghulam Muhammed Quader, M.P., Hon. Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was also present at the seminar and spoke on the Tourism Sector of Bangladesh. On behalf of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mr. Mohammed Nasir presented a paper on Bangladesh-Malaysia Trade Potential in the context of the Ready-made Garments (RMG) Sector. Dr. Ferdousi Begum, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Potato Exporters Association, presented a paper on the food industries of Bangladesh. The event was well attended by high-level Government officials, academicians and representative of think tanks as well as private sector leaders of both countries. The seminar generated a lot of interest and the discussions that followed were very stimulating.

On the second day of the event, a grand gala cultural show followed by dinner was organised. Special Envoy of the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu, attended as Chief Guest and Hon. Minister, Ministry of Commerce Mr. Ghulam Muhammed Quader, M.P., was in attendance as Special Guest. A legendary artist of Bangladesh, Ms. Sabina Yasmin gave a special performance as part of the cultural programme.

Showcase Bangladesh 2012 was a great success. The event strengthened the relationship between the organisers, partners, supporting organisations and Government relations between both countries. Bolstered by this confidence, the next edition of ‘Showcase Bangladesh’ promises to be even bigger and better.

MASSA wishes to record its appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh, High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia, BMCCI, MITI, MATRADE and sponsors for the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event.