Kota Kinabalu: Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is intensifying efforts to realise by 2016 the Asean Economic Community (AEC) to transform into a region with free movement of goods, services, investments, skilled labour and freer flow of capital. On top of it, there are two important aspects of our economic alliance, namely China's "One Belt, One Road" policy initiated in 2013, and the 21st century "Sea Silk Road" development.Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah highlighted these developments in his speech at the East Malaysia Official Launching of the 14th Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2015 held at the Ming Garden Hotel, Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Given the Asean population of 600 million, there is great potential to generate a gross domestic product (GDP) to the tune of US$200 billion with cooperation among the economic clusters."Exchange of goods among the 10 member-countries may bring about tax relief if there is economic cooperation within the Asean Economic Community. Such cooperation will also facilitate exchange of human resources and information technology," he said.
His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah.Tan noted Malaysia has all the advantages such as multi-racial background and language communication skills for entrepreneurs to enter the markets in China, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and the Arab countries.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I therefore urge local entrepreneurs to widen their horizon and pursue a multi-faceted exchange, using the available assets. The very fact that we can penetrate Asean and the China market is an indication that we are already halfway there," he enthused.And in view of Sabah's location in the South China Sea and its geographical proximity to the Philippines and Indonesia, the DCM said opportunities abound "whether it is due to the 'One Belt, One Road' policy or we (Sabah) are part of the Asean Economic Community."
ADVERTISEMENT
The DCM reminded local entrepreneurs about the concurrent implementation of the Asean Free Trade Agreement (Afta) and the "One Belt, One Road" policy.In this regard, he urged them to avail of the vast economic opportunities through creative thinking and adopting a new mindset by being ready and bold to step out of their comfort zone to grab those untapped opportunities."When we look at the whole globalisation and the economic development of the local region and the ample opportunities created, entrepreneurs are actually the 'heart' of all this development."So we hope that entrepreneurs will enhance their image and set up their own brand to be able to match the rapid development of China and the world economy as well as the Asean Free Trade Zone," he said.Tan was delighted there were seven booths from China and the Asean region participating in the exhibition, ranging from property development to finance, to branding, trade and information technology, in conjunction with the launch of the 14th Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2015."These are new business models for you to tap into the One Belt, One Road concept," he said.Meanwhile, Tan threw a challenge to successful entrepreneurs in Sabah to compete for the upcoming Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2015, describing the accolade as an Economic Nobel Prize.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
"This award is a benchmark itself with a world-class standard, going by the judging criteria. We have many outstanding entrepreneurs with the right qualities for this award. Do seize the opportunity. Sabah Boleh!" he remarked.Also present were special guest Chen Peijie the Consul-General of The People's Republic of China for Sabah, guest of honour, Datuk Dr Johnson Tee who is a Deputy Speaker, Managing Director of Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd, Datuk Clement Yeh and Chairman of Asia Pacific Top Excellence Brand Committee, Prof Dr Albert Tan from Kuala Lumpur.
