LETTER | June 1, 2018 was a great day. All of us are celebrating the zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) and several other major decisions made by the government to rehabilitate the economy.

As our government is doing an excellent job of executing measures to save our nation, I, Moehamad Izat Emir, the president of Persatuan Pedagang Asean (Perda-Asean), would like to call upon all our members, associates and the business community to make an all-out effort to promote Malaysia’s products. We are rich in commodities and manufacturing products such as palm oil, rubber, timber, furniture, cocoa, pepper, kenaf, tobacco and many others.

To help our business community succeed, the banks need to proactively come forward to provide active support for export industries. A time limit to meet and discuss export issues with the banks should be highly welcomed with full assistance from the banks.

Moreover, various facilities that enable us to enhance our export capability must not only be introduced but also thoroughly implemented with guidance so that Malaysia becomes a cleverer exporter just like other countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan and some parts of Europe (Italy, France and so on).

Perda-Asean would like to invite you to work together and is currently identifying ways to promote as well as co-operate in economic and trade-related industries throughout all Asean countries, improving the economic situation of Asean entrepreneurs irrespective of size and type of products.

In addition, Perda-Asean strives to provide members with quality educational training, timely and informative programmes, valuable membership benefits and voices on legal issues affecting Asean trade and commerce. We are very proud to work with the energetic team members in our committee. We will visit for business discussions and cooperate with all the ministries in the government to support their hard work and effort to revive our economy.

Our main objectives are to promote cooperation in the economic and trade industries of Asean countries; foster economic, social and cultural connectivity through trading in Asean countries; and improve the economic status of Asean-based entrepreneurs.

Perda-Asean offers business matching and trading, convention and exhibition programmes, workshops and forums, courses and seminars which focus on important topics on international trade.

Our typical events include trade tours to member countries, golf tournaments, holiday galas, Asean and International Traders’ Association dinners, regional trade conventions and symposiums, international trade conferences and exhibitions, customs rules and procedures courses, courses for importers/exporters, seminars on import and export safety, marketing and skills workshops and many more.

MOEHAMAD IZAT EMIR is president of Persatuan Pedagang Asean (Perda-Asean).

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.