Obor lights the way to China

PETALING JAYA: The newly established non-governmental organisation, One Belt One Road Association Malaysia (Obor), is set to provide the platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to take advantage of China’s initiatives on the development of Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road.

Both initiatives fall under China’s broader plan termed as One Belt One Road announced by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2013.

According to Obor president Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, the association aims to promote regional and cross-continental connectivity between Malaysia, China, South-East Asia and Eurasia, involving a total of 65 countries.

“The association consists of a group of Malaysian entrepreneurs who have investments in China and we have representatives in all 65 countries.

“Through our strong presence and business network, we have been actively promoting Malaysia as a prime investment destination in South-East Asia for Chinese entrepreneurs.

“Through our platform, Malaysia and China industry leaders support business opportunities available through the One Belt One Road initiatives,” he said in a media briefing last Friday.

Iskandar said Obor’s immediate initiatives are to provide the platform for Malaysian small and medium size entrepreneurs (SMEs) as well as bumiputra entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities abraod.

“We do not only provide the networking platform but also advice on financial services, legal services, information technology for Malaysian SMEs.

“We have just signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 14 Chinese companies to connect them to potential business partners in Malaysia.

“Thus, SMEs and business owners are encouraged to become a member of the association,” he said.

On the industries that are identified by Obor to support its initiatives, Iskandar said it included agriculture, advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, forum and events as well as cultural tourism.

“We are also supportive of the infrastructure sector, finance and banking, asset management, education and ICT. To those who are interested please get the details from our website at www.obor.my,” he said.