Buoyed by the increasing presence of Malaysian companies in the Middle East, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is planning to organise the region’s first ever exhibition that will focus on the strengths of the Malaysian construction and services industry. Malaysia’s consul general (acting) and trade commissioner in the UAE Noraslan Hadi Abdul Kadir speaks to Gulf Construction on what the exhibition hopes to achieve in the region.

01 January 2008

Gulf Construction: What prompted Matrade to organise the Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE) exhibition in the UAE?

Norslan Hadi Abdul Kadir: MSE 2008 is being organised by Matrade in a bid to further promote the Malaysian services sector in the strategic and rapidly-expanding West Asian region, particularly the UAE, which offers vast opportunities.
The exhibition also aims to further enhance the visibility of the capabilities of these Malaysian companies through creating brand awareness and showcasing Malaysian companies’ achievements in the international arena.
Several Malaysian companies have been doing good business in the region. So it is but natural for them, as well as the new entrants to the region, to participate at MSE 2008 which will provide an effective platform to promote their capabilities and expertise globally.
To date, Malaysian construction companies have completed 333 projects worth RM22.977 billion ($6.92 billion) and are currently undertaking 91 overseas projects worth RM47.748 billion in 20 countries.
The countries, where the presence of Malaysian companies is more pronounced, include India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Our involvement in the overseas market has been in various modes of implementation including conventional, design and build, turnkey, built-operate-transfer.
In the Middle East, Malaysian companies have already been involved with several challenging projects that include: the New Doha International Airport, Qatar; Bahrain International Circuit and the North Manama Highway (both in Bahrain); structural steel works of Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai,; structural steel works for the Khalifa Olympic Stadium, Qatar; and the Bank of Sudan, Khartoum, Sudan.
Through this exhibition we intend to represent Matrade’s initiative to further promote our services sector in this strategic and rapidly expanding geographic area.
I am sure that Malaysian service providers will find MSE 2008 an effective platform to promote their capabilities and expertise globally. In addition, the event will also provide a platform for our companies to network and forge strategic alliances with potential clients or partners in the West Asian region.

GCM: What kind of businesses is Matrade aiming at?
Kadir: As the national trade promotion organisation Matrade is keen to work as the link-up between credible Malaysian services providers and foreign businesses. Most Malaysian service providers are capable of undertaking projects on their own, or as part of a larger international consortium. As such, the range of possibilities in terms of business opportunities is wide. Essentially, the MSE is being organised to highlight the commitment of the Malaysian public and private sector towards building a strong relationship with existing and potential business partners in Mena (Middle East and North Africa) market.
GCM: How do you view the UAE market?
Kadir: The UAE has about $350 billion worth of active construction projects with another $150 billion in the planning stages. The country has a highly industrialised economy that makes it one the most developed in the world.
This goes to say that there is a lot of potential in the construction sector in the UAE. Over the years, Malaysian companies have become known for their ability to undertake and complete projects on time, with high quality and at competitive costs.
Based on their wide experience, Malaysian companies can offer their expertise in the following sectors: building and high-rise construction; infrastructure and civil engineering works that include highways, roads and bridges; mechanical engineering services; electrical services, and intelligent transportation system; airports, railways and monorail; interior-fit-out; hotel and resort development; F1 racing circuits and complexes, among others.

• Matrade eyes UAE’s potential for growth
• Smart technology focus at Abu Dhabi expo
• Italian designs set to impress visitors at office show
• Congress to discuss building sustainability
• Power-Gen 2008 to shed light on new challenges
• Malaysian expertise under the spotlight

Tags

Industrial Construction Bahrain Events Legally Bound Tenders Windows & Doors Regional News Project Watch Protective Coatings Roofing UAE Focus Expo News Expo News - Big 5 Review

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.