malaysian construction sector leads the way at mse 2008
Malaysia’s construction sector and its proven track record in completing demanding projects in the Middle East, has sparked new interest and enquiries from GCC companies, based on feedback from Malaysian construction companies participating at the inaugural Malaysian Services Sector 2008 exhibition (MSE 2008).
The event is organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia’s national trade promotion organisation with 34 offices across the world including Dubai, Jeddah and Cairo.
Dato’ Noharuddin Nordin, the CEO of MATRADE, stated, “The level and sophistication of interest in Malaysia’s construction services has been very positive and encouraging. The fact that Malaysian construction companies have already forged for themselves highly reputable credentials in delivering complex and technically challenging projects in the Middle East within set engineering and financial parameters is a testament to their abilities. The renewed interest that they have received at MSE 2008 augurs well for the Malaysian construction sector moving forward.”
Tan Sri Jamilus Husin, chairman of the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (CIDM) – which, along with the Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM), is co-leading the Malaysian construction services cluster at MSE 2008 – said, “Reliability of Malaysian contractors in overseas ventures has been proven through the numerous projects secured. This scenario can be tracked through recommendations from previous clients.”
“By offering world-class technical and financial capabilities as well as project management skills at vey competitive costs, Malaysian construction companies have successfully secured and implemented overseas projects. To date, Malaysian companies have completed 31 projects and are currently implementing 23 projects worth US$9.6 billion in Bahrain, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates,” he explained.
Among the mega projects undertaken by Malaysian companies are the New Doha International Airport in Qatar worth US$543 million, mixed development in the Al-Reem Island Project (Zone C) in Abu Dhabi (US$378 million), Abu Dhabi City Centre (US$429 million), Jizan Economic City in Saudi Arabia (US$2.9 billion) and the Shohiba Independent Water & Power Project (US$2.6 billion).
Malaysia’s 16-strong delegation of construction firms participating at MSE 2008, are showcasing the sector’s expertise and resources to support the Middle East's world class realty and infrastructure projects. The construction industry cluster at the exhibition is the largest industry representations at MSE 2008.
“By organising such events at the very doorstep of GCC nations, not only are we able to profile the strengths and advantages of Malaysian companies to Middle East corporations, we also serve to build confidence building measures between senior Malaysian business leaders and their Middle East counterparts,” Dato’ Noharuddin emphasised.
MSE 2008 is positioned to provide businessmen and project owners in the region greater awareness on the strength of Malaysian companies and their respective regional offerings. MSE 2008 – which was officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince of Sharjah, and The Honourable Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia‘s Minister of International Trade and Industry – will be held from January 13 to 15, 2008 at the Sharjah Expo Centre as an exclusive forum dedicated to the needs of businesses in the Gulf region and the greater West Asia region.
