The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (MATRADE) will organise a trade expo in a bid to promote Malaysian businesses in Myanmar. The Showcase Malaysia 2013 exhibition will be held in Yangon’s Tatmadaw Hall from 5 to 8 September. More than 60 Malaysian companies will be featured in this year’s expo, exhibiting various products including food and beverages, industrial products, building materials, plastic items, lifestyle, as well as services such as medical, construction, ICT, education, logistics and plant operations and maintenance.
“We would like to invite all Myanmar companies to participate and take advantage of this opportunity to meet potential business partners from Malaysia,” Dr Ahmad Faisal Muhamad, ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar, said.
Last year’s Showcase resulted in total sales of $68.71 million from 900 business meetings arranged between Malaysia and Myanmar companies, according to a Malaysian Embassy statement.
Of the total, $42.59 million were generated from 823 business meetings organised for the products cluster, while the remaining $26.12 million worth of projects were identified from 77 business meetings arranged for the services cluster. “The last edition saw a total of 4,155 trade visitors at the exhibition and we hope to increase the number this year,” the Malaysian ambassador said.
The Showcase 2013 will feature advice on doing business in Malaysia, individual business meetings, free medical checkup by Ming Medical and lucky draw.
The showcase will also see the launch of a new product – Mom’s Choice branded instant noodles – distributed by Grand Wynn Group of Companies.
Myanmar-Malaysia trade has grown significantly over the past few years. Trade between the two countries surged 11.9 percent to $887 million in 2012.
During this period, Malaysian exports to Myanmar amounted to $703 million, while imports from Myanmar stood at $184 million.
Major export products of Malaysia to Myanmar are palm oil, refined petroleum products, chemical products, processed food, machinery and appliances. Myanmar exports include crude rubber, vegetables, roots, tubers, seafood, processed food and metal scraps.
Malaysian investment in Myanmar stood at $1.03 billion as of July, making it the seventh largest investor in Myanmar. MATRADE will also organize the 7th International Trade Malaysia (INTRADE 2013) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur from 24-28 November. INTRADE 2013 will focus on four well-developed and growing sectors: building materials, electronics and ICT parts, manufacturing supports and lifestyle. Buyers from Myanmar selected to participate this programme are entitled to complimentary accommodation, airport and hotel transfers, a statement said.
