YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry hosted a special Session with Heads of Missions on 16th February 2015 at the MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre. A total of 150 officials comprising Ambassadors/High Commissioners and representatives of embassies attended the session.

This is the 6th year MITI is organizing such a Session. It is part of MITI’s regular and continuous engagements with foreign missions to provide updates on Malaysia’s Economic Outlook, trade and investment developments and MITI’s strategic priorities for 2015.

On Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, YB Minister focused on the economic initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Among the immediate priority is for all ASEAN member States to comply with the implementation of AEC Blueprint measures. It is envisaged that the implementation rate will exceed 90% by the end of this year from the current level of 83%.

The Minister also highlighted the on-going work in ASEAN to draft the economic vision and plan for the next decade which will be aimed at further removing barriers to trade and investments and enhancing trade facilitation initiatives to ensure ASEAN remains an economically viable and dynamic region for businesses. A resilient, inclusive and people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN enhanced sectoral integration and cooperation, and a global ASEAN.

The Minister also highlighted and sought the support of relevant countries on the events organised in conjunction with Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN as follows:

Apart from ASEAN, YB Minister highlighted that MITI and its Agencies’ are preparing for the 11th Malaysia Plan, 2016-2020, to identify the catalytic and potential growth areas, as well as other flagship sectors that will spur Malaysia to achieve a high income nation by 2020. This year, MITI will continue with the ongoing TPP and RCEP negotiations. MITI will also intensify trade and investment promotions in view of the challenging internal and external business environment. 

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
February 2015