MATRADE CEO’s Opening Remarks For Pakistan Expo (PEXPO) 2016
MATRADE CEO’S OPENING REMARKS FOR PAKISTAN EXPO (PEXPO) 2016
MID VALLEY EXHIBITION CENTRE (MVEC)
12 FEBRUARY 2016 (FRIDAY)
H.E. Mr. Syed Hassan Raza,
High Commissioner of Pakistan in Malaysia.
YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Sharifuddin Musa,
President of Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber Of Commerce (KLMCC).
Ms. Madam Sarojni Ruth Rajahser,
President of National Association of Women Entreprenuers Of Malaysia (NAWEM).
Mr. Jehangir Bajwa,
Former Chairman of Surgical Instrument Manufacturer Association of Pakistan (SIMAP).
Ms. Farida Qureshi,
President of Women Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (WCCI – SOUTH).
Mr. Nasir Abbas,
Chairman of South Asian Resources Group.
Mr. Salman Ali,
CEO of Evecon – Organiser of PEXPO KL 2016.
Members of the Media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum, Salam Sejahtera and Salam 1 Malaysia.
Kya haal hai (How are you – in Urdu)
1. First and foremost, let me express my appreciation to the organiser i.e. EVECON and High Commission of Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur, for giving me the honour to officiate the opening ceremony of PEXPO 2016. It is an honour to be invited to deliver a speech in front of distinguished audience from Pakistan and Malaysia.
2. PEXPO 2016 is an ideal platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore the business opportunities available in Malaysia. It is also a platform to promote ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ products and services. This event is in-line with the objective to increase bilateral trade between Malaysia and Pakistan, especially after the commencement of Malaysia – Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) which came into force on 1st January 2008.
3. PEXPO 2016 witnessed the participation of Pakistani companies showcasing their products and expertise in various sectors, including textiles (all kinds of garments), surgical instruments (dental, veterinary, manicure, pedicure and beauty care), cutlery, consumer electronics appliances, building material (glass), furniture, onyx handicrafts, gems and jewellery, food and beverages (rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, confectioneries, ready-to-eat meals), fashion designers, art and galleria as well as healthcare products. These products have huge demand in Malaysia and PEXPO is hoped to bring positive outcomes for the business delegations after this 3-day event.
4. Malaysia views Pakistan as another important market in South Asia. Located at the crossroads of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), Pakistan has the criteria to emerge as a regional economic and logistics hub.
5. We do believed that Pakistan’s GDP growth will escalate further particularly with the implementation of various stimulus policy by its Central Government. Hence, we would like to encourage more cooperation and collaboration between the Pakistani and Malaysian business communities, in order to maximise the opportunities in both countries.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Trade and economic relations play an important role in fostering good relations between countries. As Malaysia progressed, we have placed emphasis on sharing our knowledge and expertise with our partners, especially those from the emerging world.
7. Malaysia’s close relationship with Pakistan has been significant. Trade between both countries have grown steadily in the recent years. This is a result of the positive investment links between both countries.
8. As of 2015, Pakistan is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner within the South Asia region. Our total trade with Pakistan in 2015 was amounted at USD 1.3 billion (RM 4.1 billion), which continue to increase with Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.3% for the past 10 years.
9. This positive figure shows how the trade ties between Malaysia and Pakistan is important and regarded as the key factor to develop both country’s economy.
10. Malaysia’s exports to Pakistan amounted to USD 1.1 billion (RM 4.1 billion), down 12.9 per cent compared to 2015, while imports from Pakistan was USD 229.9 million (RM 891.3 million, 1.6 per cent increase from the previous year.
11. At present, Malaysia’s major exports to Pakistan are palm oil, chemical products and petroleum products. On the other hand, Malaysia is importing textiles and textile products such as garments, leather goods; agricultural products such as rice and mangos; and handicraft, among others.
12. Clearly, Pakistan produced a wide range of items of good prospects in the Malaysian market. I feel that the two-way trade between both countries could be further enhanced by organising more business-related programmes targeted for both the B2B and B2C.
13. Among the new emerging businesses today is Halal. Halal is neither restricted to food nor applies only to Muslims. Halal is a lifestyle for people across the global. From farm to plate, from tip to toe, across all industries including the fashion, logistics and even defence sectors, Halal is required to be an element within the industry.
14. Observing the vast opportunities in Halal products and services, MATRADE is pleased to invite Pakistani importers and distributors to be part of the 13th International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2016 that will be organised from 30th March until 2nd April 2016. MIHAS 2016 is the premier Halal showcase that gathers all the global players in this industry.
15. Most importantly, you should not miss the opportunity to participate in the International Sourcing Programme, which will be organised by MATRADE on the 29th March 2016. The INSP will be the ideal avenue for you to meet up with the Malaysia’s Halal industry players, as well as to be updated with the recent development in Halal products and services.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. Once again, MATRADE would like to record our sincere appreciation to the organiser i.e. EVECON and the High Commission of Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur, for their commitment and determination in ensuring the success of PEXPO 2016. We hope, the event will grow even bigger in the coming years, and promoting closer cooperation between Malaysian and Pakistani business communities.
17. MATRADE also would like to wish a great success, to all participants that took part in this PEXPO 2016. We look forward to hear your success story after this inaugural event.
With this, I officiate the PEXPO 2016
Bahut Bahut Shukriya! (Thank you - in Urdu)
