OVERSEAS trade and investment delegations will trickle back into Malaysia over the next few months, but the second half of the year should see a considerable return of business travellers.
We have learnt that over 50% of international business chambers and industry associations surveyed will consider sending exploratory teams to Malaysia during this quarter with a view of sending full business delegations in the second half of the year.
Most businesspeople have relied on virtual meetings to conduct business development activities over the last two years because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, a similar percentage of senior level business development professionals believe that in-person meetings are more impactful in developing relationships. Malaysia remains a popular business destination in Asean because of flight connectivity, high-quality business accommodations at competitive prices, the business community speaks English and Malaysia offers access to the broader Asean market.
Communication and engagement with the international business community are important to ensure that SOPs are known as many will be travelling from countries with vastly different Covid-19 responses.
Moving forward, we should continue to position Kuala Lumpur as a “business and lifestyle city” that should be the first port of call for businesses looking to expand into Asia. Especially knowing that the initial cost of business development is low with considerable domestic and regional market upsides.
NORDIN ABDULLAH , Founding chairman Malaysia Global Business Forum
