Exploiting business opportunities with Malaysia

Recently, Koh See Tiang, a freelance Consultant, one of the Founder Members of the Malaysian Exporters Association (MEXPA), Secretary General of MEXPA, was in Mauritius for a visit. In a short interview with News On Sunday, he discussed business opportunities in Malaysia and how Mauritius can benefit from Malaysian expertise in different fields.

Two years ago, the MEXPA signed an MOU with the Aalamee Society to collaborate on import, export and training. MEXPA helps the society to train people in export and import sectors. “MEXPA will be providing training on security, safety and environment. Scaffolding is one of them. It will be for next year,” reveals Koh See Tiang.

MEXPA, through Aalamee Society, is working closely with Mauritius. Koh See Tiang states that the outside world views Mauritius as a small country with limited size market, but he believes that many business persons do not understand that Mauritius has a strategic positioning and a very good platform for businesses around Indian Ocean as well as the African continent.

“If business people can understand the location of Mauritius, then they will know that Mauritius may be a small country but a very good platform towards regional markets. Mauritius is a very stable country.”

Making Mauritius a digital hub

Secretary General of MEXPA reveals that both Malaysia and Mauritius are quite similar and hence, they can exploit their ties further.  “Like Mauritius, Malaysia also is a platform to enter the Asian market. It can help Mauritians to enter the Chinese market. Malaysia is a very good platform for various products for Mauritius in terms of technology.”

Concerning technology, Malaysia has a high level of technology and various companies are looking for partners and Mauritius is an ideal platform, highlights Koh See Tiang. “Today we are talking about e-commerce and central warehouse. We are in a digital era and everything is technology led. Why not make Mauritius a digital hub for Africa? In this aspect, Malaysia can help.”

He also reveals that Malaysia is targeting African countries, where there is a high rate of Muslim population when it comes to the Halaal food industry. “It is not easy to enter African countries, but we can reach them through Mauritius.”   

Biggest prospect in Malaysia

As advanced by the consultant, one of the biggest prospects in Malaysia is technology. Malaysia has its own research institute. “One of our biggest is the Petro Chemical Integrated Development Project.

One quarter of the project is done. It is a partnership between America and Malaysia. Mauritius can learn from us when it comes to renewable energy. For example, where solar panel is concerned, Malaysia is exploiting this aspect. Many houses have been equipped with solar panels and are selling power to our electricity board.”

He lists the following products that SMEs from Mauritius can import from Malaysia:

• Cookies

• Cooking oil

• Medical disposals

• Electrical gadget

• Solar panel&nbsp

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Global world: We need to optimize our strength

In this era of globalization, Koh See Tiang argues that it is time for countries to optimize on their strengths to be more successful. “Team work among countries is needed now. If a country has the best IT infrastructure, it can export its skills to other countries in need. Import and export of skills have become important.”

Malaysian Trade Fair

For Mauritius 50th independence, the Aalamee Society is looking forward to organize a Malaysian Trade Fair in Mauritius. In this way, a proposal has been made and representatives of the both countries are working on it. Saheed Thupsee stated that this fair would benefit various SMEs and enterprises in Mauritius.