'Buy Malaysian' Expo to Help Stimulate Local Economy

By Suriani Razali KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia today manufactures most of the consumer products that cater to its local market. Hence, Malaysians no longer have to depend on imported consumer products, whether branded or not. Over the years, Malaysian manufacturers have worked hard to satisfy the domestic market's demand by improving their product quality and offering products at competitive prices. 'Buying Malaysian' only means that the country saves on foreign exchange but also helps to boost manufacturing activities within the country. In the larger picture, buying Malaysian helps increase employment opportunities and encourages the utilisation of local resources. Thus, to highlight the myriad advantages of locally made consumer products and their innovativeness, this year's Buy Malaysian Expo is based on the theme "World Class 1Malaysia Innovation Made in Malaysia." The event, which is being held from June 6 to 10, 2012, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), is the fourth such event to be organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. It is being held in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian External Trade Cooperation (Matrade). Che Halim Abd Rahman, the ministry's business development director, tells Bernama that "The expo is the ministry's initiative under the Buy Malaysian campaign to help stimulate the local manufacturing sector and encourage domestic spending." INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS According to Che Halim, as is evident in the theme, this year's expo attempts to highlight highly innovative domestic products from various sectors, ranging from the automotive sector, green technology and its applications to the food and beverages sector. "The ministry believes that a product of quality has to incorporate innovation. Therefore, these products have the potential to emerge as reputable brands and stand at par with or even superior to foreign products," he remarks. "Innovative products can also attract foreign buyers and help push up the sales value this year," he explains, adding that this year's expo will see the participation of 370 exhibitors from numerous sectors. SALES VALUE Che Halim notes that ever since the first such expo was held in 2009, the sales figures have shown an upward trend, indicating that the expo is a value-adding activity that can help stimulate the nation's economic growth. "In 2011 alone, a sales value of up to RM50 million (US$15.8 million) has been recorded through six series of trade expositions. The figure almost doubled the sales value of RM26 million (US$8.21 million), which was recorded in 2010 in the same series. "A change in focus and strategy is partly responsible for the higher sales value. When the campaign was first introduced in 2009, the ministry focused on sales at the expos held throughout Malaysia. "However, for the years 2010 and 2011, the trade and sales expositions were also supported by awareness campaigns conducted via the mass media, although only six expositions were held throughout Malaysia. "Therefore, for this year, we have come up with a similar programme with regard to the Buy Malaysian expo at PWTC," Che Halim further explains. CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS Regarding the average Malaysian consumer's preference for Malaysian-made products, Che Halim notes, "Today, Malaysians are increasingly turning to Malaysian-made products, but we need to do more to convince them. "As far as I'm concerned, we have to be more sensitive and to learn from the past; during the economic downturn in late 2007, the government had to depend on local products to reduce the country's trade deficit," he points out. "And this year, the theme 'World Class 1Malaysia Innovation Made in Malaysia' will help create highly patriotic consumers who will prioritise the use of Malaysian-made products in their daily lives," Che Halim claims. WHAT IS OFFERED BY THE EXPO Apart from availing of products and services offered at reasonable prices throughout the expo, visitors can use the event as a stepping stone to venture into business, especially those who are keen to participate in franchise setups. Che Halim explains that the expo offers numerous franchise packages, providing an opportunity for anyone who wants to become a franchisee or stockist. Advice on the franchise business will be available throughout the expo's duration. "Interestingly, this expo also provides business-matching opportunities for entrepreneurs, traders or individuals with local counterparts as well as foreign buying missions," Che Halim remarks. In addition to product promotions and exhibitions, visitors can listen to briefings given by government agencies and enjoy stage shows, cooking demonstrations and other activities. "The ministry hopes to see a higher sales figure this year. Moreover, by supporting the local industries, we will be helping to strengthen the nation's economic position. "The public's support for Malaysian products is important in deciding the fate of the local industries. What is more important, one has to change one's preference towards locally made products," concludes Che Halim. In addition to the Buy Malaysian Products 2012 Expo, there will be a road show on local products in selected zones in the country, such as Terengganu, Sabah, Penang, Sarawak, Johor and Perak. -- BERNAMA