What was first to be a relatively small trade delegation’s visit to Atlanta has become “the largest delegation from Malaysia to the U.S.,” Phang Ah Tong, consul-investment/director, at the Consulate General of Malaysia, told GlobalAtlanta last week.
Mr. Phang said the delegation that was anticipated to include a modest number of company representatives and a few officials has grown to 60 participants including representatives of 20 Malaysian companies seeking distributors and joint ventures.
The delegation, which will be here on Friday, Feb. 25, is to be led by Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of international trade and industry. A free seminar and luncheon on “Business Opportunities in Malaysia” are to be held at the Omni Hotel in the CNN Center downtown beginning at 9 a.m.
“Malaysia, of course, has sent very large delegations throughout Asia,” Mr. Phang said. “But this is the largest that I know of coming to the United States.” The delegation also will visit Raleigh, N.C., and Houston.
Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority are sending 15 representatives, including Ms. Aziz. These ministries are responsible for policies enhancing Malaysia’s economic growth including the promotion of foreign and local investment.
In addition, 20 representatives of Malaysian companies are participating. The companies represent a wide range of high-tech firms including information communications technology and multimedia software developers and manufacturers of a variety of products such as elevators and escalators, furniture and surgical gloves.
Representatives of industrial park and property developers, utilities and business intelligence providers also are included.
Twenty-five of the delegates represent state governments in Malaysia. They will be promoting economic development and outsourcing opportunities.
To learn more about the delegation’s visit or to arrange for an individual meeting, call Mr. Phang at (212) 687-2491 or send a fax to (212) 490-8450.