us$11.48 billion worth of potential projects identified at the malaysia services exhibition 2008
The first Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE 2008) held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from January 13 to 15, 2008 has enabled Malaysian services companies to identify a wide range of potential projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the surrounding regions. The exhibition was jointly officiated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia.
Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MSE 2008 was participated by 168 Malaysian companies and associations that showcased the expertise and capabilities of Malaysian companies in eleven services sectors. The sectors were construction, engineering, healthcare and hospital-related services, ICT, oil and gas, education and specialised training, energy and power generation, finance, logistics and transportation, professional services and franchising.
The objectives of MSE 2008 were to showcase the strengths and expertise of the Malaysian services industry to the GCC markets and the surrounding regions as well as to provide a platform for Malaysian vendors and suppliers of services to meet and interact with the business communities in these regions. MSE 2008 is expected to enhance the visibility of Malaysia as an important and emerging supplier of services in the global market.
The inaugural exhibition attracted strong interest from the business communities of the targeted markets. Businessmen and project owners who attended the MSE 2008 included those from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, India, Sudan, Yemen, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and South Africa.
The positive response to MSE 2008 augurs well for the Malaysian services sector in terms of enhancing its image and market position in the fast-growing economies of the GCC and the surrounding regions.
The total value of potential projects and services identified for bidding by the Malaysian exhibitors during the business meetings held at MSE 2008 was US$11.48 billion (RM39.02 billion). These projects would entail the Malaysian companies working with 501 potential foreign clients, partners and agents.
The construction sector identified potential projects worth US$5.52 billion. Major potential projects include:
• townships, commercial centres, business parks, hospitals and highways in the UAE, India, Morocco, Syria, Iraq and Libya estimated to be worth US$5 billion. Discussions were also held to establish a consortium involving Malaysian services providers and leading businesses in Sharjah to bid for large projects. The Sharjah partner would facilitate market access, while the Malaysian companies are expected to provide the expertise.
• infrastructure projects, bridges and roads in Saudi Arabia (US$267 million); and
• industrial plants and related facilities in Saudi Arabia (US$250 million).
Malaysian companies from the oil and gas sector reported potential projects worth US$5 billion for the construction of offshore platforms.
In the ICT sector, potential projects worth US$60.1 million were identified, including the installation of an airport operation and crisis centre system in Dubai and a flight information display management system in India. The franchise sector also garnered strong interest, with possible franchising opportunities in Romania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and India.
Potential projects were also identified in various other sectors such as:
• Professional services (construction of a 250 room condominium project and landscaping consultancy project in the UAE, estimated value of US$680 million);
• Financial services (a takaful investment-linked project in the UAE, US$40 million);
• Engineering, Technology & Innovation (building maintenance contract and an underground mapping project in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, US$20 million); and
• Logistics (freighter charter business and shipment of machinery, US$2 million)
Enquiries were also received on investment opportunities in Malaysia from potential investors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The potentials included investments in:
• a Syariah-compliant 4-star hotel;
• an aluminium manufacturing facility;
• real estate, including the development of Free Trade Zones and “Malaysia My Second Home” related projects; and
• packaging facilities, a distribution hub and regional offices.
A services forum, held in conjunction with the exhibition, provided further avenue for businesses in the GCC region to appraise the capabilities and expertise of the Malaysian services sector. Nine papers were presented during the two-day forum, covering services sub-sectors showcased in MSE 2008.
