Trade Dispute Offers Joint-Venture Opportunities With Chinese Companies -- PUMM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 -- The Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM) expects more joint-venture and export opportunities between Malaysian and Chinese companies amid escalating US-China trade tensions. President See Kok Seng said many Chinese companies were starting to use Malaysia as a platform to bring semi-finished products to be assembled and reproduced here and then re-exported to the third countries. "Malaysia, in the short term, will benefit (from this situation). Many more manufacturing companies from China may come here and (enter into) joint-ventures with local partners. "We have already seen a few in the Port Klang area. They are using the port to re-export (their products),” he told a press conference here today to announce PUMM’s Installation Night 2018 in conjunction with its 25th anniversary. Hence, See said the association is reaching out to more segments of the business community to establish international links with overseas markets, mainly China and other emerging countries. "Our outreach programme will focus more on young and women entrepreneurs. We are also having a programme to assist the needy to become entrepreneurs, emphasising on digital economy and Industry 4.0," he said. Nevertheless, he hoped the government could assist SMEs, particularly start-ups with low-interest loans or financing to help them strengthen their footprint in business. Themed "Sterling Future", the PUMM’s Council Installation Night, set for Nov 21, 2018 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, is expected to be graced by Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof. Organising Chairman Bruce Lim said PUMM aims to donated RM1 million for Tabung Harapan Malaysia, of which RM500,000 has been raised from table sales for the dinner from 50 companies. "The new central committee will also reveal future trajectory for the association and contribution towards higher adoption of talent development, particularly among SMEs in the digital economy," he said. An inaugural publication entitled "The Entrepreneur" will be also launched at the dinner. -- BERNAMA