Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Berita MICCI highlights the latest initiatives and advocacy undertaken by the Chamber and its Councils on behalf of MICCI Members.
FTAs and the TPPA in particular are ‘hot’ topics just now. MICCI participated on 1st August along with other organisations in the MITI Open Day on TPP. This meeting, produced a tremendous range of opinion both for and against the TPP and its conditions.
Certainly, there are a number of key issues that are particularly sensitive in a Malaysian context, government procurement, generic medicines, regulatory coherence and market access generally. The Chamber favours the ongoing negotiation of trade agreements such as TPP as a means to ensure Malaysia’s position globally, and through liberalisation, enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian companies.
With the multi-lateral trade negotiations under the WTO Doha Round effectively stalled, bi-lateral and regional agreements have proliferated with some potentially large groupings under the TPPA (trans pacific), TTIP (trans atlantic) and RCEP (ASEAN plus 6) agendas.
As a small nation with ambitions to become a developed nation in a matter of a few years, Malaysia must be proactive in securing its global trading credentials.
MICCI is committed to continuing the dialog with Government and its agencies to ensure they negotiate an effective agreement that will provide new opportunities for investors and business generally.
BERITAEdition 9/2013 15 August 2013
MICCIC-8-8, Plaza Mont‘ Kiara,
No.2 Jalan Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
tel: 03-6201 7708fax: 03-6201 7705
http://www.micci.com
MICCI - The Premier Advocate for the Business Community
CONTENTS PAGE
Is TPP The Right FTA For Malaysia? 1
Promises Of A Bright Trade Future - AEC 2015
2
PMHA Launches “Excellence in Environmental Journalism” Award
2
MICCI Pursues Labour Law Reforms 3
MICCI Calls For Strong Tax Policies 3
Addressing Security Concerns At Northport
3
Contacts and Links 4
1
Is TPP The Right FTA For Malaysia?
for your further information we recommend...
1. Deloitte: Global Economic Outlook [Dwld 4.8MB]
2. Nielsen: Consumer Confidence [Dwld 2.2MB]
3. BN: Ringgit Newsletter, June 2013 [Dwld 2.8MB]
BERITA MICCI
2
As the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) draws closer to its goal of being a regional economic integration by 2015, the Chamber took the liberty of organising a seminar aimed at highlighting its various key economic and business potentials on July 1, 2013.
Speakers on the topic included P. Ravidran, Senior Director of MITI, Dr. Yeah Kim Leng, Group Chief Economist of RAM Holdings Berhad, Paul Sumner, Partner at PWC World Trade Management Services and Kota Igarashi, CEO of Mizuho Asia Partners Pte. Ltd, Singapore.
Guided by a blueprint that clearly identiVies its targets and timelines, the AEC envisages four (4) key characteristics that include:-‐
• A single market and production base• A highly competitive economic region• A region of equitable economic development • A region fully integrated into the global economy
In his presentation, P. Ravidran said that the AEC involves a more comprehensive economic integration of ASEAN countries beyond the normal free trade area. It aspires to achieve free Vlow of goods, services, investment, and capital and skilled workforce by 2015.
Dr. Yeah added that with relatively sound economic fundamentals in most member countries, ASEAN-‐10 GDP growth is forecast to average 5.0 -‐ 5.5% over the 2013-‐15 period. Malaysia, being relatively small and highly open, will gain from ASEAN’s greater economic integration and market liberalisation.
Click here for more information on the AEC.
Promises Of A Bright Trade Future
- AEC 2015
P. Ravidran and Dr. Yeah addressing questions from the floor
PMHA Launches “Excellence In
Environmental Journalism” Award
The Prime Minister's Hibiscus Award (PMHA) has launched a new award called “Excellence in Environmental Journalism”. This accolade will be awarded to the print media organisation that has demonstrated outstanding journalism on environmental and sustainability.
In launching this, PMHA seeks to enhance the quality and integrity of media coverage of environmental issues to a level that would encourage more organisations to take affirmative actions towards sustainability while publicly recognising these organisations for their accomplishments and leadership.
The award is open only to registered print media organisations, and each interested organisation is required to submit three (3) news articles or features per entry, published between July 1, 2012 and July 15, this year.
The entry form, regulations and further details on this award is available at www.hibiscusaward.com The deadline for submission of entries is on Oct 15, 2013.
For further information please contact Kavitha Muthiah [email protected].
BERITA MICCI
3
MICCI Pursues Labour Law
Reforms
Recognising the crucial need for labour law reforms, the Chamber, through its Human Capital Council is determined that addressing this concern is one of the council's top priorities when engaging with the Ministry of Human Resources. There is a broad notion within Members of the council that the current laws are in dire need of change.
In view of the Industrial Relations Act 1967, there needs to be efficient resolutions for unfair dismissals and trade disputes, to ensure effective enforcement of Industrial Court awards, and to balance business needs and employees' rights through conciliation.
As for the Employment Act 1955, reforms are necessary to ensure that the laws are in line with emerging needs of local and foreign employers. Any amendments to the law will be aimed at spurring productivity and efficiency, increasing income levels and protecting employees to support local, regional and global competitiveness.
MICCI continues to have regular engagement and consultation with the relevant Ministries and agencies in its pursuit to facilitate the desired change.
For further information please contact Chang Hou Yea [email protected].
MICCI Calls For Strong Tax
Policies
MICCI met with the Deputy Finance Minister, Y.B. Datuk Hj. Ahmad Bin Maslan on 29 July 2013 in the effort to raise pertinent policy matters relating to investors.
During the meeting, the Chamber emphasized that durable tax policies can be continuously exercised to induce domestic growth and inbound direct investments. However, there is a need to review these policies particularly those relating to tax incentives. Unfavourable incentives should be phased out while those that drive positive results should be enhanced and extended.
An example of the latter is the Reinvestment Allowance (RA). Considered as one of the most important incentives by investors, there is a need to extend its current 15-year period. RA is an incentive for companies that reinvest their capital in expansion, modernisation, automation or diversification. The positive multiplier effects gained
through greater economic activities are far greater than any “revenue losses” arising from the RA incentive.
Click here for more information on RA and other investment incentives.
For further information please contact Wong Hin Wei [email protected]
Addressing Security Concerns At
Northport
MICCI's Joint Action Security Council (JASCO) met with representatives of Northport (Malaysia) Berhad on May 14, 2013 as a result of concerns raised by Members over the safety of cargoes within and outside of ports. Some of the concerns highlighted during the meeting were:-• The need for CCTVs in the area to have recording
abilities. • To have an adequate tracking system to monitor the
movement of cargoes. • Northport currently imposes a RM100 fee for online
accessibility whereas Westport does not impose any fee.
• To identify a method that verifies and confirms the cargo load before leaving the port.
• Weigh-bridges need to be calibrated at least twice a year.
Northport assured the Chamber that all suggestions will be taken into consideration and agreed that cooperation is needed from both parties to curb the issues on security.
For further information please contact Kavitha Muthiah [email protected].
JASCO delegation with Northport representatives
BERITA MICCI
4
MICCI Councils & Focus GroupsEconomic Policy & Taxation CouncilChair: Kang Beng Hoe (Taxand Malaysia Sdn Bhd)PIC: Wong Hin Wei ([email protected])
Trade & Investment CouncilChair: Tay Beng Chai (Tay & Partners)PIC: Wong Hin Wei ([email protected])
Services (CSIM) CouncilChair: Ken Pushpanathan (MICPA)PIC: Wong Hin Wei ([email protected])
Legal & IP CouncilChair: Linda Wang (Tay & Partners)PIC: Ilyani Yusof ([email protected])
Environment & Natural Resources CouncilChair: Dato’ Kok Wee Kiat (Bata (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd)PIC: Ilyani Yusof ([email protected])
Joint Action Security CouncilChair: Rajan Mittal (Metrod Malaysia Sdn Bhd)PIC: Ilyani Yusof ([email protected])
Human Capital CouncilChair: Fatimah Merican (ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Malaysia Inc)PIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Logistics & Infrastructure CouncilChair: VacantPIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Domestic Affairs CouncilChair: Amnah Shaari (Beyond Corporate House Sdn Bhd)PIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Trade Facilitation Focus GroupChair: Raja Kumaran (PricewaterhouseCoopers)PIC: Wong Hin Wei ([email protected])
Energy & Utilities Focus GroupChair: VacantPIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Education Focus GroupChair: Tina Yeung (The University of Sheffield)PIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Tourism Focus GroupChair: Jenny Shabudin (Travcheq Travel Sdn Bhd)PIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Insurance Focus GroupChair: VacantPIC: Chang Hou Yea ([email protected])
Headquarters (KL & Selangor)Stewart ForbesExecutive Directortel: 03-6201 7708email: [email protected]
Penang & The North Priscilla DawsonBranch Executivetel: 04-227 0589email: [email protected]
PerakSubasini UthraBranch Executivetel: 05-253 2233email: [email protected]
Malacca & Negeri SembilanMarlina ArisBranch Executivetel: 06-281 6998email: [email protected]
JohorNicole StruysBranch Executivetel: 07-221 2358email: [email protected]
East Coast (Administrated by MICCI HQ)Shafik AffandyAssistant Managertel: 03-6201 7708email: [email protected]
SabahStella LiewBranch Executivetel: 088-248 332email: [email protected]
Associate ChamberDatuk Abang Hj Abdul Karim, PresidentSarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI)tel: 082-237 148email: [email protected]
MICCI Contacts
