Fostering Economic Bridges: “Malaysia – Your ASEAN Gateway”

A highly successful business networking event, themed “Malaysia – Your ASEAN Gateway”, took place on 28 November 2023, at the Malaysian Embassy in Berlin. This significant gathering was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local partners, namely the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW) and the German Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV).

The event served as platform for German companies to delve into Malaysia’s current economic landscape and explore opportunities for trade and investment activities between the two countries. With over 50 attendees, the event received an enthusiastic response from German companies keen on understanding the economic potential and prospects offered by Malaysia.

In her opening speech, Her Excellency, Dr. Adina Kamarudin the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Germany, highlighted the importance of fostering strong relations between Germany and Malaysia. She commended the German Mittelstand companies, recognising their pivotal contributors to Germany’s economic success. She expressed her hopes for increased exploration of business opportunities in Malaysia by more German Mittlestand companies.

The event featured a panel session where Mr. Asrulnizam Addrus, Director of MIDA Frankfurt, shared recent economic updates about Malaysia and highlighted the extensive investment opportunities available. Ms. Zuhaila Sedek, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Frankfurt, provided insights into the evolution of Malaysian trade from the New Economic Policy in the 70s to the recent New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.

Mr. Max Pfeifer, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Siemens AG, highlighted Siemens’ key projects in Malaysia, emphasising their significant digital transformation initiatives across various industries and their potential impact on the economic growth of both countries.

The event concluded successfully with a closing remark from Mr. Reinhold von Ungern-Sternberg, BVMW Head of Foreign Trade. Mr. Reinhold reiterated Malaysia’s status as an ideal investment destination for German companies, emphasising its strategic location, conducive business environment, excellent infrastructure as well as world-class talent pool.

In summary, the event provided a wealth of valuable insights and perspectives. MIDA Frankfurt expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such enriching discussions. Engaging in dialogue and exchanging ideas on investment trends not only enhances our knowledge but also equips us to make more informed strategic decisions.