The first Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE 2008) held in Sharjah 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, from January 13 to 15, 2008, was held under the patronage of the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Shaikh Sultan bin Mohamed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, and the Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz.
The total value of potential projects and services identified for bidding by the Malaysian exhibitors during the business meetings held at MSE 2008 was $11.48 billion. These projects would require Malaysian companies to work with 501 potential foreign clients, partners and agents.
Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), over 168 Malaysian companies and associations showcased the expertise and capabilities of Malaysian businesses in 11 services sectors, said an official spokesman.
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 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 Matrade spokesman said.
