INDONESIA OFFERS TREMENDOUS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR M'SIAN FIRMS - MATRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation (Matrade) recently concluded a specialised marketing mission to
Jakarta and found tremendous business opportunities for Malaysian construction
companies.

The mission on construction and related services from July 20 to 23 was in
collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board and the Master
Builders Association Malaysia.

It looked to target the US$47.3 billion in infrastructure and construction
projects announced by the Indonesian government recently on its Public Private
Partnership (PPP) programme which include air, land and maritime transportation,
power generation, railways, solid waste and sanitation, toll roads and water
supply.

The mission identified potential projects worth RM50.2 million for the
development of toll and public transport networks, parking systems, water
proofing systems and formwork solutions for the construction sector, Matrade
said in a statement Thursday.

"The sheer scale and scope of the projects announced in Indonesia's PPP
programme represents a tremendous business opportunity for all Malaysian
construction companies across all sectors and areas of specialisation.

"The PPP projects also offer a strategic gateway for Malaysian companies
to secure their long-term revenue streams in Indonesia," said Matrade Chief
Executive Officer Noharuddin Nordin.

He said Malaysia's proven track record and reputation in delivering
precision and highly engineered construction and infrastructure projects on
schedule and at competitive prices locally and abroad spoke for itself.

"Moreover, our cultural similarity and familiarity with Indonesia will give
Malaysian companies a unique competitive advantage when bidding for specific PPP
projects," he added.

For the mission participated by 12 Malaysian companies, Matrade organised 65
one-on-one business meetings. Following the pre-arranged meetings, several
companies received invitations to provide immediate quotations for their
services.

"Matrade will be adopting a proactive and hands-on role to ensure that the
necessary follow up is carried out by Malaysian companies with their Indonesian
counterparts," Noharuddin said.

-- BERNAMA