Speeches 2014
Speech by YB Datuk IR Hamim Samuri, Deputy Minister of MITI for Exporters Forum 2014
Yang Berhormat Dato’ Noraini Ahmad
Chairman of MATRADE
Yang Bhg Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Yang Bhg Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Press,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalammualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Selamat Pagi dan Salam 1 Malaysia.
1. It is my privilege to welcome you to this Exporters Forum with the theme ‘Energising Exports’. I am happy to see so many of you here at this inaugural event. Your presence here is a clear indication that overseas expansion remains an important part of your business plans. I hope that this event will foster closer collaboration between MATRADE and Malaysian exporters and serve as a platform for discussion and exchange of views.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2. One of the fundamentals of Malaysia’s economic development is the strong partnership between business and government. This partnership has served us well. I am confident, our partnership will continue to enable us to enhance our export promotion efforts. Last year, MATRADE served more than 11,000 exporting companies. In the years ahead, MATRADE will continue to support your overseas expansion plans. MATRADE will work with you in establishing relevant business connections and developing firm-level capabilities. With a presence in more than 40 cities worldwide, MATRADE can be your partner as you seek out new market opportunities.
3. Malaysian exporters continually face challenges such as cost competitiveness and the fast changing market demand. It is MATRADE’s role to help you navigate through the complexities in each of the different markets. Towards this end I am happy to note that MATRADE has developed several new initiatives this year such as the Go-Ex and Mid-Tier Programmes to assist exporters at various stages of their exporting journey and help build your export capabilities. Both these initiatives involve structured assistance programme that aims to develop the export competency of Malaysian exporters.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. Malaysia is a relatively small country by size and population but our trade performance ranks us amongst the most important global players. In 2012 Malaysia ranks as the 24th largest trading nation in the world. Last year alone Malaysia’s total trade expanded more than 4.6% compared with the previous year. Our total trade stood strongly at RM1.4 trillion against RM1.3 trillion in 2012. Despite imports outpacing exports, Malaysia still enjoy a positive trade balance making this the 16th consecutive year that Malaysia has enjoyed a trade surplus.
5. In 2013 Malaysia’s exports grew by 2.4% or RM17.2 billion to reach RM719.8 billion. This year, we expect to do even better with trade projected to grow by 5-6% and exports at 3-4%. With better global growth expected in 2014, I am confident that the year will end with positive results for the exporting community.
6. On the part of the government, we will continue to assist the exporters by reducing trade barriers and enhancing trade facilitation through Free Trade Agreements. Exporters can take advantage of Malaysia’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) to sharpen their competitive edge. Via the FTAs, exporters can benefit from tariff concessions, thereby making their exports more price-competitive. They will also enjoy preferential access, faster market entry, and investment and intellectual property protection.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. As the agency promoting overseas growth of Malaysian-based companies and international trade, MATRADE will continue to support all manufacturers as they intensify their efforts to go international. Let’s take a mid to long-term perspective and harness our resources in preparation for the future.
8. Before I end, I would like to once again thank all participants present for investing your time to attend today’s programme. I hope that you will benefit from the presentations and I hope to see more manufacturers participating in export promotion activities organized by MATRADE. I understand that similar programmes will be organised by MATRADE throughout the year in different locations in the country.
9. On this note, it is with great pleasure that I declare open MATRADE’s Exporters Forum 2014.
Thank you and I wish you success in your endeavors.
Speech by YB Dato' Noraini, Chairman of MATRADE for Exporters Forum 2014
Yang Berhormat Dato’ Ir Hamim Samuri
Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Press,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalammualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh;
A Very Good Morning and Salam 1 Malaysia.
1. It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to an important event in this year’s MATRADE calendar. The Exporters Forum is part of an on-going effort by MATRADE to touch base with Malaysian exporters and serves as a platform to update participants on MATRADE’s activities and programmes for the year. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Energising Exports’, emphasizing the urgent need for Malaysian companies to strengthen their competitiveness and to go global.
2. This year’s event comes under a new format to replace the annual ‘Briefing and Consultation Programme’ which has been organized by MATRADE since 2004. The programme is aimed at sharing experiences and creating awareness on current issues that are related to trade. At the same time, Malaysian exporters would be able to get an update on MATRADE’s programme and activities for 2014 during the trade clinics.
3. In today’s Exporters’ Forum you will share from a line-up of speakers from successful companies on how to build a strong foundation for your export business. The speakers will also share practical tips for exporting, financial options for trade as well as pointers on avoiding internet fraud.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. You will agree that 2013 was another challenging year for Malaysian exporters. During the first half of the year growth was mainly subdued but our economy picked up the momentum in the second half with better economic performance. I wish to commend the Malaysian trading community for your efforts. It is your resilience that enabled Malaysia to achieve a remarkable RM1.369 trillion in total trade in 2013, a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
5. As the National Trade Promotion Agency, MATRADE will continue to enhance its efforts to assist Malaysian businesses to increase their exports through its trade promotion programmes and activities. This year, MATRADE will intensify its export promotion efforts and taking into consideration the following factors:
- Generating higher value exports; and
- Applying new approaches towards strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysian exporters through capacity building and awareness programme.
6. A total of 147 trade promotion activities are being proposed for 2014 covering 46 markets.MATRADE’s Trade Promotion Activities and Exporters Development Programme 2014 will serve as an effective action plan for Malaysian manufacturers and professional service providers especially SMEs to expand further into the international market and sustain exports.
7. The active participation of Malaysian companies is critical to the success of the activities planned. MATRADE urge all exporters to register early for their participation in our programme for 2014. Details are available in MATRADE portal at www.matrade.gov.my
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. I would like to thank YB Dato’ Ir Hamim Samuri , the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, for his presence and to formally kick start MATRADE’s activities for the year. I also wish to thank all participants for taking the time to attend this programme and hopefully it will be time well-spent.
9. In conclusion, I would like to once again record my appreciation for your continuous support towards MATRADE’s programmes and activities. We look forward to working closely with you to meet our common objectives. I wish you good luck in your business endeavor.
Thank you.
Speech by Chairman of MATRADE, Perhimpunan Bulanan MITI dan Agensi
UCAPAN OLEH
YB DATO’ NORAINI AHMAD
PENGERUSI MATRADE
BAGI
PERHIMPUNAN BULANAN
MITI DAN AGENSI
11 FEBRUARI 2014
DEWAN MATRADE, MENARA MATRADE
Terima kasih Tuan pengerusi majlis.
Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed
Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri;
Yang Berhormat Datuk Ir Hamim Samuri
Timbalan Menteri Perdagangn Antarabangsa dan Industri;
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Ketua Setiausaha MITI;
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Wong Lai Sum
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MATRADE;
Yang Berbahagia Dato’-Dato’, Ketua- Ketua Agensi MITI serta warga MITI dan agensi yang dikasihi sekalian.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia
1. Alhamdulillah, bersyukur kita ke hadrat Ilahi kerana dengan limpah kurniaNya kita dapat berkumpul pada pagi ini untuk menghadiri Majlis Perhimpunan Perdana MITI tahun 2014. Saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada MITI kerana telah memberikan peluang kepada MATRADE untuk menjadi tuan rumah kepada Majlis pada hari ini, dan saya mengucapkan Selamat Datang ke MATRADE.
2. Saya juga ingin mengucapkan Selamat Tahun Baru 2014 dan juga Tahun Baru Cina, dan berharap kita dapat menambahkan lagi azam dan tekad kita untuk menjadikan tahun baru ini lebih berjaya daripada tahun – tahun sebelum ini.
Para hadirin sekalian,
3. MATRADE mengakui bahawa ekspektasi dan peranan MATRADE adalah semakin mencabar, selaras dengan sasaran eksport yang telah ditetapkan oleh Kerajaan. Cabaran ini semakin mendesak mengambilkira faktor persaingan yang semakin sengit dalam suasana persekitaran ekonomi dan politik global yang tidak menentu.
4. Berdasarkan kepada cabaran ini, MATRADE telah mengambil beberapa pendekatan baru dalam program promosi eksport sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini. Bagi tahun 2014, MATRADE telah menetapkan sasaran KPI yang lebih tinggi selaras dengan Outcome-based Budgeting. Kesemua program dan akitiviti MATRADE termasuk aspek pengurusan dan pentadbiran pejabat dikehendaki menetapkan sasaran yang perlu dipersetujui oleh pihak pengurusan dan kakitangan.
5. Dari segi promosi eksport, MATRADE mengenalpasti bahawa kapasiti dan dayasaing pengeksport terutama sekali SMEs adalah amat kritikal bagi menjamin keberkesanan aktiviti promosi eksport. MATRADE akan terus memberikan penekanan kepada aspek pembangunan kapasiti dan dayasaing ini melalui pelbagai program latihan dan pendedahan kepada peraturan perdagangan antarabangsa. Untuk tujuan ini, seramai 50 orang pegawai MATRADE sedang mengikuti latihan Certified Business Advisors di mana mereka akan diberikan sasaran dari segi jumlah pengeksport yang perlu dibimbing dan dipantau secara hands-on. Dengan ini program latihan pengeksport adalah lebih fokus dan dapat dipantau hasilnya secara kualitatif dan kuantitatif.
6. Tidak dapat dinafikan MATRADE telah banyak membantu syarikat pengeksport Malaysia berjaya di pasaran antarabangsa. Mereka bukan sahaja terlibat dalam industri tradisional seperti perabot, makanan dan produk berasaskan sumber, malah termasuk industri baru dan berimpak tinggi seperti E&E, minyak & gas, pembinaan, teknologi hijau, kejuruteraan dan lain-lain.
7. Usaha untuk membawa lebih banyak syarikat Malaysia ke pasaran antarabangsa akan terus diperkukuhkan. Contohnya, dengan kerjasama SME Corp., MATRADE akan melancarkan program Go-Ex sebaik sahaja mendapat peruntukan kewangan untuk tujuan ini. Bagi tahun 2014, program ini mensasarkan 50 syarikat pengeksport SME yang telah dikenalpasti mempunyai kapasiti eksport untuk dipadankan dengan pengimport luar Negara melalui market immersion programme.
8. Di samping itu, program yang serupa akan turut dilancarkan bagi syarikat bersaiz sederhana atau Mid-Tier yang dikenalpasti memalui proses pemilihan yang diaudit. Program ini dijangka dapat menjana eksport dengan kadar segera memandangkan syarikat Mid-Tier sememangnya telah mempunyai kapasiti dan dayasaing yang tersendiri.
9. Dari segi aktiviti promosi, MATRADE telah menyenaraikan sebanyak 147 aktiviti pada tahun 2014 melibatkan 46 pasaran. Aktiviti ini merangkumi penyertaan di pameran perdagangan antarabangsa, specialised marketing missions, Malaysia Services Exhibitions, Incoming Buying Missions dan sebagainya. Dua program ‘Flagship’ MATRADE iaitu Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) dan International Trade (INTRADE) akan diteruskan. Di samping itu, terdapat dua acara antarabangsa yang julung kalinya akan diadakan di Malaysia, iaitu Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC Asia) dan Kuala Lumpur International Aerospace Business & Defence Convention. Program ini dijangka mampu memposisikan Malaysia sebagai pemain penting dalam industri minyak & gas dan aerospace.
Para hadirin sekalian,
10. Sebelum saya mengakhiri ucapan saya, selaku Pengerusi MATRADE, saya berharap mendapat kerjasama dari semua pihak, MITI dan agensi dalam meningkatkan keupayaan dan dayasaing syarikat pengeksport serta menghasilkan pengeksport yang berjaya di peringkat antarabangsa. Bagi MATRADE, kami seluruh warga MATRADE mengulangi komitmen kami untuk berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dalam merialisasikan hasrat Kerajaan meningkatkan nilai eksport Negara dan menjadikan Malaysia sebuah Negara pengeksport utama.
Sekian, terima kasih.
Welcome Remarks by YB Deputy Minister of MITI, at Business Roundtable Meeting
Welcome Remarks by YB Datuk Ir. Hj. Hamim Samuri
Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry
at Business Roundtable Meeting in Conjunction With The Visit of
His Excellency Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori
Minister of Economy, United Arab Emirates
27 February 2014
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
His Excellency Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori
Minister of Economy, United Arab Emirates
His Excellency Abdulla Matar Al Mazroui
Ambassador of UAE to Malaysia
Excellencies,
Members of the UAE delegation
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarokatuh and a very good afternoon.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome His Excellency Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, United Arab Emirates and his delegation to Malaysia and to the Business Roundtable Meeting today here in MATRADE.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached a very good level with the regular exchange of high level visits.
The establishment of Malaysia-UAE Joint Business Council headed by 2 prominent figures from both countries will certainly provide a bright future of further cooperation between our two countries.
About a month ago, The Honorable Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry was in Bangalore, India to attend The 19th CII Partnership Summit. In Bangalore, he had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Minister Al Mansouri and today we are delighted to have His Excellency visiting Malaysia with a delegation of 20 businessmen and government officials.
Insya Allah, The Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak will be leading a delegation on an official visit to Abu Dhabi, in March 2014.
All these high level visits and your visit to Malaysia today reflect the cordial and close relations between UAE and Malaysia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
UAE continues to be an important trading partner for Malaysia. Allow me, to share with you, the current bilateral trade and investments between Malaysia and UAE.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and the UAE in 2013 was valued at US$8.81 billion, an increase of 9.7% compared with the US$8 billion recorded in 2012.
Within the West Asian region and among the GCC countries, UAE was Malaysia’s largest trading partner, largest export destination and the largest import source. Among ASEAN, Malaysia was UAE’s second largest export destination and third largest source of imports.
In terms of investments, as at October 2013, Malaysia approved a total of 25 investment projects with UAE participation in the manufacturing sector. These investments totalled USD23.1 billion.
Malaysian companies also actively participate in trade promotional events in the UAE. In 2014 they will be participating in seven trade fairs in UAE.
Our Malaysian companies, have just concluded participation in Arab Health 2014 and Gulfood 2014, both in Dubai. They will also be participating in Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX)2014; Dubai International Brand Licensing Fair 2014; and The BIG 5 Building and Construction shows in Dubai. In addition they will also participate in SIAL Middle East 2014 and Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2014 in Abu Dhabi.
Participation in these fairs has proven beneficial for Malaysian companies as they try to make inroads into the GCC markets. They will continue to use Dubai as the main entry point into the region.
There is also a large number of Malaysians in UAE. The latest statistics shows that there are close to 6000 Malaysians working and living in the UAE. Two thirds are working in Dubai and the Northern Emirates while the rest are in Abu Dhabi. Most of them are professionals in various sectors, mainly in the oil and gas, finance and banking, constructions and tourism.
Many of Malaysian companies are also proudly associated with some of the iconic projects in the UAE. These companies include the Eversendai Corporation Berhad in the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa projects, WCT Holdings Berhad in Yas Marina F1 Circuit, TAK in the development of Meydan Racecourse. We hope to see such collaborations continue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The visit of His Excellency Eng Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri and his delegations to Malaysia today reflects the close relations established between Malaysia and UAE. I am confident that with this visit, you will be more convinced that Malaysia offers good opportunities for collaboration in various areas such as in Halal, property, oil & gas, construction, tourism, etc.
The Business Roundtable meeting today will serve as a platform for business leaders and entrepreneurs between our two countries to exchange views and gain insights into trade and investment opportunities in our countries.
Please enjoy your stay in Malaysia. I wish you all a pleasant evening.
Before I invite His Excellency to deliver his remarks, allow me to invite Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, Deputy CEO MATRADE to introduce the representatives of the Malaysian companies present here today.
Thank you
