Flanders Investment & Trade - Malaysia

On this Malaysia Day, we proudly celebrate the unity and diversity that makes Malaysia a beacon of strength and resilience. At Flanders Investment and Trade, we are honoured to stand alongside the people of Malaysia in fostering growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. As we reflect on the journey of East and West Malaysia coming together, we look forward to continuing our partnership, driving innovation and creating new opportunities that honour this spirit of unity. Selamat Hari Malaysia!

It was a great week at the FHA Food & Beverage exhibition in Singapore for Flanders Investment & Trade - FIT with the support of VLAM.

The Flanders Pavilion (Booth 5G2-12) and VLAM Pavilion (Booth 7H3-04) were very busy and there was a lot of interest in the 34 exceptional companies from Flanders and their premium products.

I would like to thank the team from FIT Singapore for organizing this great pavilion; it was very well organized. It was also great to be with my colleagues from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, & Vietnam again, which is always a pleasure.

A special thanks for the team that made this event special Sara Deckmyn Kim Demeyer Siow Boon Chia Carolyn Ng Marc Schiltz Peter Christiaen Eaimt Phoo Phoo Aung Eve Devoldere Safitriyani Tholib Kim Nhan Do and our project manager Wendy De Smedt I hope to see you all again soon.

Exclusive Invitation to Malaysian Buyers 🌟

Attention all Malaysian businesses! As the head of Flanders Investment & Trade Antenna Malaysia, I'm personally inviting you to visit us at the FHA Food & Beverage exhibition, Asia's leading international event, from 23 to 26 April 2024 in Singapore.

Join me at the Flanders Pavilion (Booth 7H3-04), where I'll be ready to introduce you directly to over 30 exceptional companies from Flanders showcasing their premium products. This is your chance to forge valuable partnerships and explore opportunities to represent Flanders' finest in Malaysia.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity for personal introductions that could elevate your business. Let’s connect and discuss how Flanders can enrich your offerings!

Discover some of Flanders' Finest
Attention Malaysian importers, distributors, and retailers! Are you on the lookout for premium products to enchant your customers? Look no further! The FHA Food & Beverage show, happening 23-26 April 2024, will feature a dedicated Flanders Pavilion where you can meet and discuss potential deals with over 30 top-notch companies from Flanders.
From innovative food technologies to the rich culinary traditions of Flanders, find it all at Booth 7H3-04. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your offerings with premium Flanders products. See you in Singapore!

Announcement - Calling all Malaysian Buyers! 🇲🇾

The Flanders Investment & Trade Antenna Malaysia is thrilled to announce our participation in Asia's Leading International Food & Beverage Event, the FHA Food & Beverage exhibition, from 23 to 26 April 2024 in Singapore.

Join us at the Flanders Pavilion (Booth 7H3-04) to discover over 30 companies from Flanders showcasing their exquisite products. This is a golden opportunity to meet face-to-face with leading Flanders businesses eager to enter or expand within the Asian/Malaysian markets.

As the Economic Advisor and head of FIT Malaysia, personally invite you and will introduce you to make connections that matter. Let's explore partnerships that could define the future of food & beverage in our region.

Our new market study 'Plastic Industry in Malaysia' is now available.

This comprehensive report explores the Malaysian plastic industry, which has shown a steady growth trajectory with a projected 3.7% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. It offers valuable insights for Belgian companies in the plastic sector looking to explore export opportunities. The study covers a range of plastic products from household items to high-end goods and highlights how Malaysia's growing market can be a significant destination for Belgian exports.

For detailed analysis and to understand how to approach this promising market, access the full report on the l,ink below:
https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/export/marktstudie/kunststofproductie-maleisi%C3%AB

Marktstudie ‘Kunststofproductie in Maleisië’ | Flanders Trade Producten in kunststof variëren van alledaagse huishoudelijke artikelen en verpakkingsmaterialen tot hoogwaardige producten. De gevestigde industrie voor kunststofproducten ondersteunt de groei van de verwerkende industrieën door onderdelen, componenten, verpakkingsmaterialen en diverse hoogwaardi...

Attracting more foreign direct investment

A lot of focus is being placed on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to strengthen the economy. For 2023, one primary strategy is based on a country and industry focus; the country focus takes advantage of trade diversions due to uncertain geopolitical tensions, including the United States-China trade conflict and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“Within the global supply chain shift, Malaysia is promoted as an alternative hub for manufacturing and distribution activities,’’ said Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman.

The industry-focus approach emphasizes investments in new development areas – electric vehicles, smart factories using 5G technology, supply chain ecosystems and green technology.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/05/01/attracting-more-foreign-direct-investment

Coca-Cola is positive on Malaysia's outlook despite challenges in the F&B sector.

Coca-Cola Bottlers (M) Sdn Bhd said the Malaysian market offers considerable opportunities for growth, despite the challenges affecting the food and beverage (F&B) industry, such as rising commodity prices and supply chain disruption.

"We see F&B (a big part of Malaysian culture) as a catalyst of growth for companies like ours, and we are positive about the long-term outlook of the industry and the broader Malaysian economy, post-pandemic," said Louis Balat Joseph, chief executive officer of Bottling Investments Group for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/04/900729/coca-cola-positive-malaysias-outlook-despite-challenges-fb-sector

Coca-Cola positive on Malaysia's outlook despite challenges in F&B sector | New Straits Times KUALA LUMPUR: Coca-Cola Bottlers (M) Sdn Bhd (Coca-Cola Malaysia) said the Malaysian market offers considerable opportunities for growth, despite the challenges affecting the food and beverage (F&B) industry such as rising commodity prices and supply chain disruption.

ADB says Malaysia's economy will grow 4.7% this year and 4.9% in 2024.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) thinks Malaysia's economy will grow by 4.7% this year and 4.9% in 2024. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in its Asian Development Outlook for April 2023, which came out on April 4 that Malaysia's growth in 2022 was better than expected. This was due to strong domestic consumption and a rebound in services as borders reopened and economic activity returned to normal.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/662015

Malaysia’s economy to grow 4.7% this year, 4.9% in 2024, says ADB The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast Malaysia’s economy to grow 4.7% this year, and 4.9% in 2024. In its Asian Development Outlook April 2023 released on Tuesday (April 4), the ADB said Malaysia’s growth exceeded expectations in 2022, buoyed by strong domestic consumption and a rebound ...

Bursa Malaysia partners with Petronas to drive ESG practices.

Bursa Malaysia Bhd and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) have signed a memorandum of collaboration to drive ESG adoption and practices through Bursa Malaysia's Centralised Sustainability Intelligence Platform (CSIP).

The platform, developed in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange Group, aims to help corporates and their suppliers calculate their carbon emissions and disclose standardised, common ESG data.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/04/899263/bursa-malaysia-partners-petronas-drive-esg-practice

Bursa Malaysia partners Petronas to drive ESG practices | New Straits Times KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd has signed a memorandum of collaboration with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to help drive environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) adoption and practices through the exchange’s Centralised Sustainability Intelligence Platform (CSIP).

MDEC targets RM1 billion in investment opportunities by 2025

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) announced it is targeting RM1 billion in investment opportunities from nine sectors by 2025 through its Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes. The nine sectors are Digital Tourism, Digital Content, Digital Finance, Digital Health, Digital Cities, Digital Services, Digital Agriculture, Digital Trade, and the Islamic Digital Economy.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/663617

MDEC targets RM1 bil investment opportunities by 2025 KUALA LUMPUR (April 17): The Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) announced that it is targeting RM1 billion in investment opportunities from nine sectors by 2025, through its Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (Pemangkin). The nine sectors are Digital Tourism, Digital Content, Digital Finance, D...

Malaysia jumps 15 ranks in World Bank Logistics Index.

Malaysia has jumped 15 ranks in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 to 26 ranks, emerging as the second-best performing Asean country after Singapore.

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/04/26/malaysia-jumps-15-ranks-in-world-bank-logistics-index

Malaysia jumps 15 ranks in World Bank Logistics Index It was a major improvement from rankings of 41 in 2018 and 32 in 2016 MALAYSIA has jumped 15 ranks in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 to 26 ranks, emerging as the second-best performing Asean country after Singapore. It was a major improvement from rankings of 41 in 2018 and 32...

Malaysia records highest monthly vehicle sales in March

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said total vehicle sales for March 2023 hit a new monthly all-time high of 78,849 units, surpassing the previous record of 76,657 units in December 2022.

MAA: Malaysia records highest monthly vehicle sales in March The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said total vehicle sales for March 2023 hit a new monthly all-time high of 78,849 units, surpassing the previous record of 76,657 units in December 2022.

Malaysia is far ahead of the competition in the halal sector.

Hairol Ariffein Sahari, CEO of Halal Development Corp (HDC), stated that Malaysia was a pioneer and champion of halal long before other countries began to pursue it. He said that Malaysia's exports hit RM1.55 trillion in 2022, exceeding the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) goal for 2025 by 24% and three years ahead of schedule. The entire halal export value in 2022 was RM59.46 billion. He said the halal business would contribute 7.4% of the country's GDP in 2022. According to the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, Malaysia's halal business is expected to grow to US$113.2 billion (RM500.17 billion) by 2030, with an 8.1% contribution to GDP by 2025. (HIMP 2030).

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/04/04/malaysia-well-ahead-of-the-curve-in-halal-market/

Malaysia well ahead of the curve in halal market It encompasses a wide range of products and services with adequate support  and infrastructure development  by S BIRRUNTHA  MALAYSIA is way ahead in becoming a leader in the halal market compared to its global counterparts.  Halal Development Corp (HDC) CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari highlighted tha...

Getting halal-certified now easier than ever

Halal certification is an important consideration for businesses operating in the Malaysian market. Halal certification provides numerous benefits, including increased sales, a competitive advantage, brand awareness, international market access, compliance with Islamic law and improved quality control.

As the demand for halal products continues to grow, obtaining halal certification is becoming increasingly important for businesses operating in Malaysia. It is reassuring to know that the process is a manageable one.

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/03/31/getting-halal-certified-now-easier-than-ever

Getting halal-certified now easier than ever Halal certification is now essential to access international markets such as Indonesia or the Middle East  by AFIQ HANIF / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL MALAYSIA is a predominantly Muslim country where halal certification has always been important for businesses.  Halal certification is the process of cer...

Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business to be reactivated to accelerate ease of doing business in Malaysia

The government said it will reactivate the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) to reinforce communications between the public and private sectors. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the taskforce would seek to accelerate the government’s effort to make Malaysia a more business-friendly destination by resolving the issues faced by the private sector to cultivate a healthier environment for business.

Rafizi: Pemudah to be reactivated to accelerate ease of doing business The government said it will reactivate the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) to reinforce communications between the public and private sectors. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the taskforce would seek to accelerate the government’s effort to make Malaysia a more business-frien...

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Announces RM25.5 Billion Investment to Launch an AWS Cloud Computing Infrastructure In Malaysia

Amazon Web Services (AWS) celebrated a significant milestone today with the announcement of plans to open a Cloud Computing Infrastructure in Malaysia. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) views AWS’s plans to invest approximately RM25.5 billion (USD6 billion) by 2037 to establish an AWS Region as a testament to their confidence in Malaysia’s promising digital economy and capacity to drive long-term growth. This investment will advance nationwide digitalization, foster a spirit of creativity, and cultivate a world-class digital workforce to accomplish Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a cloud-first nation.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Announces RM25.5 Billion Investment to Launch an AWS Cloud Computing Infrastructure In Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR – 2 March 2023 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) celebrated a significant milestone today with the announcement of plans to open a Cloud Computing Infrastructure in Malaysia. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) views AWS’s plans to invest approximately RM25.5 billion (...

Budget 2023: Tax incentives for global firms that relocate to Malaysia

Companies that relocate their operations to Malaysia will enjoy tax incentives, along with a tax rate of 15 per cent for C-suite executives, until next year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said existing tax incentives would also be extended to Dec 31, 2025. "The move is to attract investment from companies affected by Covid-19 to operate in Malaysia, as well as to encourage capacity expansion of existing companies and attract investment from new companies.

Budget 2023: Tax incentives for global firms that relocate to Malaysia | New Straits Times KUALA LUMPUR: Companies that relocate their operations to Malaysia will enjoy tax incentives, along with a tax rate of 15 per cent for C-suite executives, until next year.

Enhancing Malaysia’s investment-friendly name

With competition from neighbouring countries as an investment destination, the government is taking steps to enhance the country's investment-friendly reputation. Several new initiatives were proposed to boost the domestic ecosystem and attract more meaningful investments to catalyze economic growth and job opportunities.

Enhancing Malaysia’s investment-friendly name Malaysia is still considered an attractive investment destination in Asia due to lower costs compared to Singapore, but it faces competition from neighboring countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla to open office in Malaysia

Malaysia said electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) would open an office in the Southeast Asian country and establish a network of charging stations for its cars.
Tesla's application to import battery-run EVs into Malaysia has been approved, and the company will also open showrooms and services centers, Malaysia's trade ministry said in a statement.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla to open office in Malaysia Malaysia on Wednesday said electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla Inc will open an office in the Southeast Asian country and establish a network of charging stations for its cars.

Malaysia and China mull cooperation in agriculture

Malaysia and China recently held talks on proposed bilateral cooperation in agriculture, particularly modern agriculture and research. China is ready to share experience and expertise in policies related to poverty eradication through agricultural programmes, creating sustainable commodity markets and food value chains, and using smart agriculture in grain production.

Malaysia and China mull cooperation in agriculture MALAYSIA and China recently held talks on proposed bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture, particularly modern agriculture and research.  The matter was discussed by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing when Ouyang paid a co...

Malaysia ‘fully committed’ to CPTPP, says Tengku Zafrul

The unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is fully committed to participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), international trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said.

Malaysia ‘fully committed’ to CPTPP, says Tengku Zafrul Government has acted to mitigate concerns raised on the CPTPP’s adverse impact.

Malaysia posts stronger-than-expected GDP in the fourth quarter; global slowdown clouds outlook.

Malaysia’s economy in the fourth quarter grew 7% from a year earlier on continued expansion in domestic demand, and resilient demand in electrical and electronics goods, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said on Friday.

The central bank expects growth in full-year GDP to moderate to 4% and 5% in 2023 amid a global slowdown.

Malaysia posts stronger-than-expected GDP in fourth quarter; global slowdown clouds outlook Economists polled by Reuters had expected the central bank to report October-December GDP 6.6% higher than in the same period of 2021.

Malaysia Madani Budget 2023 Will Strengthen Malaysia’s Economy By Spurring Sustainable Trade and Investments, Says MITI

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) welcomes the allocation of RM1.585 billion for the ministry and its agencies as announced through the 2023 Budget by the Government, which covers an administrative allocation of RM625 million and a development allocation worth RM960 million. This proves that the MADANI Government is committed to planning the country’s development inclusively and holistically which would further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a destination of choice for investment and trade as well as the gateway to the Asian region.

Malaysia Madani Budget 2023 Will Strengthen Malaysia’s Economy By Spurring Sustainable Trade and Investments, Says MITI The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) welcomes the allocation of RM1.585 billion for the ministry and its agencies as announced through the 2023 Budget by the Government today. This covers a administrative allocation of RM625 million and development allocation worth RM960 million. This proves th...

5 Key Budget 2023 Highlights Impacting Fintech in Malaysia

The Malaysian Budget 2023 contains several initiatives that can enhance Malaysian fintech businesses and sustainability efforts, including those related to and operating within the fintech space. Here are some of the key measures and their potential impacts:
- Boosting digital adoption across industries, MSMEs
- Budget 2023 supporting fintech startups in Malaysia
- Oversight for BNPL with the Consumer Credit Act
- Cracking down on fraud
- Promoting sustainable finance
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5 Key Budget 2023 Highlights Impacting Fintech in Malaysia - Fintech News Malaysia The revised Budget 2023 will see an allocation of RM388.1 billion to be spread out over 12 areas, as Malaysia recovers economic momentum.

Flanders Investment & Trade Antenna Malaysia had a very informative evening at the reception and industry dialogue hosted by His Excellency Peter van Acker, the Ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia, in his residency. The Reception and Industry Dialogue featured Mr Wilfried Vancraen, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Materialise, that gave an insightful talk on Advancing Additive Manufacturing Options. It was a well-organized evening with valuable connections and great Belgium Food. We thank the Embassy of Belgium to Malaysia very much for inviting us to the quality event.


Embassy of Belgium in Kuala Lumpur Flanders Investment & Trade - Malaysia
Flanders Investment & Trade - FIT

Flanders Investment & Trade - Malaysia Antenna attended the Meet & Greet with His Excellency Peter van Acker, Embassy of Belgium in Kuala Lumpur , yesterday. BeluxCham Malaysia Team and its president Vincent Borgne deserve many thanks for organizing this event for the community to meet our new Ambassador. In addition, we would like to thank His Excellency Peter van Acker, and Madame Astrid for the kind welcome to the Belgium Residency for this enjoyable networking event. As always, it was a delight to network with Malaysia's thriving Belgium community.
Flanders Investment & Trade - Malaysia, Mr. Bernhard Schutte, Mr. Thomas Bernthaler, Ms. Carmen Lee, and Mr. Thomas Kodden. Mr Randolph Chin from the East Coast Economic Region Development Council, Mr. Billy Choong Bing Liang from Quest Dental and Mr. Vincent Borgne from BeluxCham Malaysia

Happy National Day of the Kingdom of Belgium from the Flanders Investment & Trade Antenna Malaysia Team.

On the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Belgium, I have the great honour of extending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to all the people of Belgium.

Ericsson Choses Malaysia For Its New Regional Distribution Centre

In order to support its customer networks in the Asia Pacific region, Ericsson develops a new facility at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport as its regional distribution centre. The centre will serve more than 20 nations and manage the region's hardware inventory and spare parts. According to David Hägerbro (Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, Malaysia), is in a very critical position to support the telecom sector because of its capacity to react rapidly, provide services, and guarantee low downtime for end-users and mobile network operators.

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2022/06/15/ericsson-choses-malaysia-for-its-new-regional-distribution-centre/

Ericsson Choses Malaysia For Its New Regional Distribution Centre Ericsson opens a new facility at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport as its regional distribution center to support the company’s customer networks in the Asia Pacific region. The centre will cater to more than 20 countries and will be responsible for the management of hardware inventory and sp...