Since 2000, bilateral trade revenue between Vietnam and Malaysia has grown 5 per cent annually on average. The two countries have never seen higher numbers of trade fairs and participants than now. Vietnam Business Forum talked with Mr A.RASHID MOHD ZAIN, Trade Commissioner of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City.
Could you please assess the bilateral trade results in 2006 and in the first half of 2007?
Two-way trade revenue was US$565 million in 1999, but the figure jumped to US$2.7 billion in 2006, or an average annual increase of 5 per cent. Particularly, Vietnam’s exports to Malaysia grew around 25 per cent. This helped narrow Vietnam’s trade deficit. Arguably, this is a golden opportunity for the commercial ties of the two countries. I have never seen more Malaysians coming to Vietnam, for business opportunities or to travel, than I see now. I visited many big shopping centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and saw many Malaysian customers. Malaysian people are very keen on Vietnamese apparel and footwear because of quality of the products.
Vietnam’s major exports to Malaysia include crude oil, seafood, apparel, footwear, coffee and rubber. Vietnam is a potential rubber partner because Malaysia has a developed rubber processing industry and Vietnam is a potential material supplier.
Annually, we organise two trade fairs to introduce our products and business opportunities between the two nations, one in Hanoi in April and another in Ho Chi Minh City in December. The number of booths and participants has increased significantly. We work nearly all day and night during preparation to answer and instruct applicants.
In investment, Malaysia has invested US$1.6 billion in 201 projects in Vietnam, ranking 9th among more than 70 countries and territories with investment in the country, and keeping 2nd place in the ASEAN bloc. Malaysia pours most investment capital into tourism, hotel, motorcycle parts, automobiles, oil and gas, ICT, and construction. Malaysian investors always look to Vietnam because this is an open market with numerous opportunities in a country of an ideal population size and workforce. Vietnam and Malaysia’s geographic proximity is another positive factor.
How will Matrade assist Vietnamese companies wishing to do business with Malaysia?
The main function of Matrade is to assist Malaysian companies to introduce products to Vietnam. We are also willing to assist Vietnamese enterprises to learn about Malaysian partners. We will provide all the information you want, even checking the safety of cooperations with Malaysian partners. I can affirm that the image of Malaysia is very good and prestigious outside the country. Vietnamese enterprises should also build such an image in extending business to other nations.
Besides, we want to stress that if Vietnam wants to show investment and business opportunities, you should introduce yourself. In some case, we can arrange meetings for Vietnamese enterprises with Malaysian partners. We can even provide free transport from airports to hotels. You can receive rebates in attending international trade fairs and exhibitions in Malaysia. For more information, you can contact us at Matrade (Vietnam). Tel: (08) 8299023; Email:
hcm@matrade.gov.mg..
As known, you will fulfil your mandate in Vietnam in December 2007. What has been your impression of Vietnam during your term here?
There are a lot of interesting characteristics and differences from Malaysia. In 2001, I watched a Tiger Cup football match held in Hanoi on TV and I was very surprised at what I saw. The Vietnamese people lived happily and were very fond of football. This was absolutely different when I had thought of a communist-ruled nation. In 2003, when I came to Vietnam, I witnessed the changes in your country. I am very impressed with security, because I can walk along the street at any time at night without interference. This shows that your propaganda abroad is very necessary. Otherwise, they will not know a changing Vietnam. I have been very happy during my tenure here.
Vietnamese
