| Trade With Four FTA Partner Countries Have Increased 100 Per Cent To RM13.8 Billion In 2007 KUALA LUMPUR, THURSDAY, JULY 31 - The Malaysian Government Believes That Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Can Expedite Freer Trade Through The Lowering Or Elimination Of Tariffs And Non-tariff Measures, As Well As Spur Investment And Liberalisation Of Trade In Services. The Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, stated, “The importance of the external sector to the Malaysian economy compels Malaysia to pursue trade agreements with major trading partners to further improve market access for its exports, and simplification of import and export procedures and processes.” Datuk Liew said this when officiating the opening of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) seminar entitled “Opportunities Under Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)”. The event was held at Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur this morning. According to Datuk Liew, preliminary assessments indicate that the preferential market access provided under the various FTAs have positively contributed to the expansion of Malaysia’s exports. “Based on Certificates of Origin (COOs) issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia’s exports under preferential market access to the four FTA partner countries have increased 100 per cent from RM6.9 billion to RM13.8 billion in 2007” he said. Under the ASEAN-China FTA, exports utilising the COOs have registered significant increases. Malaysia’s exports to China using COOs have increased to RM3.8 billion in 2006 from RM1.3 billion in 2006. In 2007, 12,437 COOs with value of exports of RM5.6 billion were issued to Malaysian exporters for their exports to China. According to Datuk Liew, under the Malaysia-Japan FTA, a total of 21,471 COOs with an export value of RM3.07 billion were issued from July to December 2006. In 2007, a total of 46,032 COOs were issued with an export value of RM6.75 billion. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s exports to Korea under the ASEAN-Korea FTA totalled RM1.3 billion with 7,960 COOs issued, while exports to Pakistan under the FTA increased from RM44.9 million in 2006 to RM55.4 million in 2007. “Notwithstanding the benefits arising from the FTAs, the number of SMEs utilising the preferential tariffs is still small. Based on MITI’s record, out of 1,525 companies currently utilising the COOs, only 25 per cent were SMEs. The low utilisation of FTAs by SMEs is attributed to the lack of awareness and understanding on the subject matter,” Datuk Liew added. Datuk Liew also announced the establishment of an FTA Focal Point at MATRADE. As a focal point for FTA, MATRADE will promote and disseminate information on the FTAs and the benefits to Malaysian companies. These include the dissemination of information on eligible products, preferential tariff rates and the procedure for the application of COOs. Datuk Liew stressed that in order to fully realise the benefits of FTAs, it was imperative for Malaysian companies to undertake the following measures: · Restructuring and diversification of their activities; · Rationalisation of their industries through relocation of certain products to lower cost producing countries in the region; · Moving to higher-value added products; and · Establishing strategic partnerships and alliances with other companies in the region. About MATRADE The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on March 1, 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Its functions are: · To promote, assist and develop Malaysia's external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services; · To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia's export; · To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia's trade; · To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters; · To enhance and protect Malaysia's international trade investment abroad; and To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade. SOURCE: MATRADE For more information, please contact: Mr. S. Jai Shankar Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) General Line: 03 – 6207 7077 Ext. 7402 Direct Line: 03 – 6207 7402 Fax: 03 – 6203 7194 Email: jai@matrade.gov.my DATE OF RELEASE : 31 JULY 2008 RELEASED BY BERNAMA MEDIA RELATIONS & EVENT MANAGEMENT | |
Johor, the Southern Gateway
Johor, the Southern Gateway
A Rich History  Johor gets its name from the Arabic word Jauhar meaning 'precious stones'. Prior to that, it was known as Ujung Tanah which mean 'land's end' in Malay, due to its location at the end of the Malay Peninsula. It is also an apt name, as the southern-most tip of Asia is located at Tanjung Piai, Johor. The state derived its status as the country's Southern Gateway after it was connected to Singapore through the 1056m-long Causeway which was completed in 1923 after four years of construction. Johor has a rich and illustrious ancient history - its sultanate was established in the early 16th century, commanding the southern Peninsula and Riau islands. Upon Malacca's defeat to the Portuguese in 1511, the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah, had established a monarchy in Johor and had posed a constant threat to the Portuguese. Johor is the only state, apart from Melaka, that grew into an empire. During its peak, the whole of Pahang and the present day Indonesian territories of Riau Archipelago and part of Sumatra Island were under Johor's rule.The Rise of a New Metropolis Today Johor is poised to conquer the world with state-of-the-art metropolis Iskandar Malaysia, formerly known as the Iskandar Development Region (IDR). Officially launched by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor on the 4 November 2006, Iskandar Malaysia is set to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia's most developed region, where living, entertainment, environment and business seamlessly converge within a bustling and vibrant metropolis connected in an ultra-modern telecommunications network. The beacon of new growth, Iskandar Malaysia will spur economic developments that actuate Malaysia's global potential to greater heights. Sprawling 2,217 sq. km, it is 3 times the size of Singapore and is comprised of most of Johor's major hubs including Johor Bahru, Danga Bay, world-class ports Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang, amongst others. A Melting Pot of Culture With its 3.17 million population, Johor is the most populous state in Malaysia. Besides the cultural expressions practiced by the local Malays, Chinese and Indians, culture in Johor is also influenced by visitors and traders throughout history. The Bugis who first set foot in Johor would be biggest influence especially on the side of politics. The Arabs strongly influenced the arts like the Zapin dance and Hamdolok theatre performances and musical instruments like gambus (Arab lute). Ghazal Johor a love song or poem is sung in Malay with instruments like the gambus, accordion, drum, etc, but its songs reflect much Hindustani and Persian influence. The Kuda Kepang dance, a legless horse-shaped puppet straddled by the performers is inspired by the Javanese. The rich culture and heritage of Johor is also reflected in its traditional costumes. The baju kurung Teluk Belanga, widely recognised as Johor's traditional attire since the 19th Century is also known as Baju Kurung Johor. It comes in both male and female versions. The man's costume has three pockets while the lady's version has one medium-sized breast pocket on the left. Cekak Musang and Teluk Belanga are types of collar design of the male version. It is said that Teluk Belanga was designed by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866 to reminisce the shift of Johor's capital from Teluk Belanga to Johor Bahru. Highlights and Attractions Johor is divided into eight districts: Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Muar, Pontian and Segamat, the largest of these being Johor Bahru which is the state capital. Visitors commonly head for Johor Bahru's royal palaces and lively night markets, considered as some of the state's best attractions. The state's islands are a tourist attraction with their stretches of white sandy beaches and sparkling waters which beckons all and sundry to snorkel, scuba dive, wind-surf, sail and even reel in a fish or two. Johor's five national parks are a wonderful representation of the sheer bio-diversity that is the state's natural heritage : botanical and wildlife paradise of Endau Rompin, the mangrove island of Kukup, the "mother of all dead ends" wetland of Tanjung Piai, the mysterious and legendary Gunung Ledang, and the heavenly Mersing islands. Indeed there is so much more to Johor than meets the eye. Words by Ariel Chew© © 2002 - 2008 TourismJohor.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Getting to Johor
By Road
By Rail
By Air
By Sea
By Road
 | There are several ways to enter Johor by road. The main ones are: - Johor Causeway; 2nd link - North South Expressway - Federal Trunk Road (Route 1) - East Coast Trunk Road (Route 3) - West Coast Trunk Road Route 5) |
By Rail
 | The rail service is provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad. To check the interstate train schedule, go to http://www.ktmb.com.my |
By Air
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By Sea
 | The following are the sea entry points into Johor. - Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal (Johor Bahru district) - Pasir Gudang (Johor Bahru district) - Kukup (Pontian district) - Muar (Muar district) - Tanjung Belungkor (Kota Tinggi district) - Tanjung Pengelih (Kota Tinggi district) |
Sunday, August 3, 2008
MALAYSIAN ECONOMY TO BENEFIT FROM FTAS
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Johor Bahru Hotels - Contributing Effectively
Johor Bahru is a beautiful province in Malaysia and a crowd of visitors invade it in all seasons. The wide range of attractions in the region invites people from all across the globe. Exciting atmosphere of Johor Bahru and forests of Endau-Roman Park are what play a great role in attracting the visitors. Desaru villages have their own distinct aroma to entice the tourists. The beautiful Islands in South China Sea see the flocks of tourist ever year. The commercial prosperity also attracts businessmen from all across the globe.
However, the role of proper accommodation facilities cannot be ruled out in making a destination the favorite of tourist. Fortunately it has this trait which wonderfully contributes to the purpose of enhancing the Johor Bahru Tourism. This beautiful region features excellent collection of hotels and resorts. Every corner of this province has accommodations which are beautifully equipped with all sorts of amenities.
A' Vista Hotel, Compact Hotel Johor Bahru, Hyatt Regency, Sofitel Palm Resort and many others constitute the list of hotels. For instance, A'Vista hotel lies in the heart of downtown in a Multi-storey building. All the rooms are equipped with most modern amenities. Like this one, all the hotels in Johor Bahru are at excellent locations and feature restaurants and bars. It would not be an exaggeration to say that these hotels play a significant role in the growth of their tourism. This is definitely a great place to stay for a vacation.
For more information on Malaysia please visit : http://www.stayresmalaysia.com
Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of Johor Bahru Hotels and Kuala LumPur Hotels. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Malaysia. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niraj_Singh |
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Hotels in Desaru Malaysia - Complementing Your Stay
Desaru is one of the most popular beach resort located on the eastern trip of Peninsular Malaysia. Hardly anyone can resist the temptation of visiting this wonderful place. Its clean sandy beaches aided with lush tropical forests impart an eternal beauty to this tourist destination which expands in 25 kilometers area. A favorite holiday destination, Desaru features several beautiful resorts and hotels that suits to all kinds of budget.
Besides being a natural wonder, it also caters to the hobbies of water sports freaks. Its casuarina trees-lined beach and clean water serve as a great water sports destination. Snorkeling, fishing, boating and canoeing, you will find people engaged in all sorts of water sporting activities. However, it is not a disappointing factor for the visitors who are fond of such activities; they can opt for horse riding, Tennis, golfing and several other interesting sports.
Desaru beaches also possess a unique character. The sand of these beaches is grayish in color and the depth of seabed will stun you-you will find it to be shallow even 50 meters into the sea. However, the superiority of Desaru beaches cannot be challenged at all. It has one of the best beaches in mainland Johor. Many other sights of tourists' interest are there too. Tanjung Pengelih is a nice place to visit-here the relics of World War II are kept. Accommodation in the city, of course, is no problem at all. Hotels in Desaru Malaysia are affordable and very well equipped. This place is definitely a great touring vacatation with much to offer.
Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of Hotels in Desaru and Kuala LumPur Hotels. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Malaysia. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niraj_Singh |
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Iskandar Development Region - A Boost For Johor Tourism
Iskandar Development Region, previously known as South Johor Development Region, is a joint effort by the Johor State of Malaysia and the Federal Government of Johor to boost the Johor State's overall development. The Iskandar Development Region upon completion is expected to be on par with Shenzhen or Hong Kong of China.
It covers an area of 221,634 ha which is about 3 times the size of Singapore. It includes District of Johor Bahru, Mukim Jeram Batu, Mukim Sungai Karang, Mukim Serkat, Pulau Kukup and Mukim Ayer Masin.
It stretches from Johor Bahru to Senai/Kulai at the north, Port of Tanjung Pelepas at the west and Pasir Gudang at the east. It is divided into 5 zones i.e. (i) Johor Bahru city (ii) Nusajaya (iii) Western Development Corridor including Tanjung Pelepas and Gelang Patah (iv) Eastern Development Corridor including Johor Port, Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Langsat and (v) Senai-Kulai.
The Comprehensive Development Plan for Iskandar Development Region was drawn by the Khazanah Nasional Bhd. It aims to transform the southern part of the state of Johor including some backwater areas into an international metropolis. This region is set to become an important industrial, logistical and commercial centre with industrial facilities dealing with electronic, petrochemical, refinery and shipbuilding.
Based on the statistics, in 2005 the Iskandar Development Region has a population of 1.4 million. It is projected to have a population of 3 million by the Year 2025. Gross Domestic Product for Year 2005 is RM20 billion. This figure will be pushed up to RM93.3 billion by Year 2025.
Iskandar Development Region stretches along the Strait of Johor covering coastal land, swamp lands and rivers. Most of these areas can be developed into tourist spots.
The existing tourist spots in the Iskandar Development Region are historical sites within Johor Bahru city, Danga Bay, Kukup and Kukup Island, Tanjung Piai, ZON Ferry Terminal, Tanjung Langsat etc. Kukup Island is a RAMSAR site and it has the world largest uninhabited mangrove. Various species of flora and fauna flourish on this island. Nature lovers will come to this region and appreciate the uniqueness of this place.
Tanjung Piai is another mangrove near to Kukup and is the southernmost tip of Asia continent. Long-tailed masque with white eyebrow can be found on tree tops here.
Visitors depart and arrive at ZON Ferry Terminal by sea from Batam, Bintan and Tanjung Belungkor, Johor. The ZON Ferry Terminal has been assimilated into other components to make it a one stop tourist centre complete with a hotel, a shopping centre, a huge karaoke centre etc. It is a duty free zone where goods bought here are exempt from taxes.
Danga Bay is being developed by Ecovest Bhd. It is a mixed development comprising of shops, condominiums, theme parks, marina etc. It has a female market which follows the concept of female market in Hong Kong.
There is an international airport, Senai International Airport at Senai. Senai is an industrial area with various factories set up by international investors. Senai will be developed into an international cargo hub under the Iskandar Development Region. The Senai International Airport besides serving the cargo, it will serve as the entry point for visitors from all over the world.
With the influx of investment from all over the world into Iskandar Development Region, tourism industry will not be forgotten by the Johor State government. Currently, there are middle-east investors proposing to develop theme parks at Nusajaya. A company under Berjaya Group, Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd has acquired the Waterfront Floatiing City and has changed its name to Lido Boulevard. It will be a mixed residential and commercial development. The special feature of this development is that most of the structures will be constructed above the sea and supported by piles. This developemnt has stirred controversy among the locals as it occupies the seafront, in a way blocking and spoiling the sea view whereas there are plenty of inner lands that can be used for development.
Malaysia now is facing an upward surge of fuel price, construction material price and commodity price. Inevitably, the pace of developement of Iskandar Development Region is now being hampered. Barring unforeseen circumstances in the future, as long as the national leaders sticks to their commitments, Iskandar Development Region will be one of the successful mega projects in Malaysia.
This article is written by Chai Yong from http://www.temasekmap.com which is about an ebook "Travel Guide of Singapore Batam Bintan and Johor" and related maps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chai_Yong
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