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THE KEY PLAYERS
Sarawak State Government
Connect Asia Europe (CAE), Germany
Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX)
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Foundation
The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV)
BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC)
BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre (BIMP-FC)
State Government of Sarawak (SGS), Malaysia
Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo. Sarawak is the largest of Malaysia's 13 States in Malaysia. The State of Sarawak cover an area of 124,449.51 sq. km, it is about 37% of the Malaysia total land area. The primary sectors (i.e., mining, agriculture, and forestry) make up about 40% of the state's total real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), followed by the secondary sector (i.e., manufacturing and construction) with about slightly more than 30% of total real GDP. Sarawak is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and petroleum, have provided the mainstay of the state's economy for decades. Sarawak is also one of the world's largest exporter of tropical hardwood timber.
The administrative of Sarawak is currently divided into eleven divisions namely Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, Sri Aman Division, Betong Division, Sarikei Division, Sibu Division, Mukah Division, Kapit Division, Bintulu Division, Miri Division and Limbang Division. Kuching is the capital of Sarawak.
The activities which SGS carries out inclusive of encouraging the development of plantation agriculture with the view to develop idle or under utilized land. By transforming these lands to profitable plantations, the government aims to increase the income and standard of living of the rural land – owners; Distributing various development grant to respective local authorities in the State for undertaking infrastructural development projects and community-based activities; Offering tax exemption and other incentives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI); Promoting Sarawak as a MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) Centre.; Promoting high value-added downstream activities utilising abundant natural resources, to promote capital intensive, hi-tech and knowledge-based industries, to provide excellent infrastructure and facilities at reasonable cost as well as to provide quality services through highly committed staff and efficient delivery systems; Undertaking investment promotion locally and abroad; Promoting commercial, industrial and socio-economic development of Sarawak; administering trade and investment issues, to formulate policies on industrial development, trade and investment etc.
For more information, please visit http:// www.sarawak.gov.my
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Connect Asia Europe (CAE), Germany
“ConnectAsiaEurope e.V.” is a non-profit Association with the scope of promoting international economic and technological co-operation between Asia and Europe by supporting the transfer of know-how between the two regions and the exchange of information and experiences with counterparts in Asia and Europe. The Association has been founded recently in February 2007, but is building on the long lasting track record of its member BHK International GmbH (www.bhk-international.de), the latter having emerged from a subsidiary of the German Association of Chambers of Commerce (DIHK): IHK Trade Development and Management Consulting GmbH.
With its transition from a subsidiary of the German Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to an independent institution, BHK International has transferred its know-how and its network resources for the implementation of international co-operation projects to the Association “ConnectAsiaEurope e.V”, of which it is a member.
Scope of the association’s performance:
- Information and consulting services for SMEs in the field of international cooperation in Asia and Europe
- Organisation of trade seminars
- Publications such as Studies, Guides and Handbooks about the possibilities of cooperation between both regions
- Organisation of delegations to and from Asia
- Participation in programs of the European Union like Europartenariats Asia-Invest
For more information, please visit: http://www.bhk-international.de
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Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX)
The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) is an independent agency attached to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce through the Secretary of State for Trade and Tourism. ICEX has been providing services to Spanish companies, with the aim of promoting and facilitating their international presence since 1982. It has its own financial, material and human resources for this purpose.
ICEX assists Spanish businesses in each and every phase of their process of internationalization through its network of offices in Spain and all over the world.
The Institute deploys its main activity in the following areas of action:
- Production and distribution of information on the offer of Spanish products, and on international markets.
- Design and execution of trade promotion programmes in foreign markets.
- Fostering of investment, industrial penetration or business co-operation projects in foreign markets.
- Promotion of technical training in foreign trade for company staff and professionals and graduate internships.
In order to effectively achieve its objectives, ICEX develops its activity through a network of Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassies abroad (94) and through the Regional and Territorial Trade Departments (24) in Spain. ICEX has more than 1000 trained professionals.
ICEX provides:
- Trade Information about Spain’s various exporting sectors and trade information about foreign markets with a view to enhancing contacts between foreign importers and Spanish suppliers. It thus helps to consolidate the image of Spain as an industrialised country with a dynamic exporting sector.
- Training Programmes (internships) for graduate students by allowing them to work in the Spanish Commercial Offices abroad and in private companies.
- A comprehensive range of Technical Seminars and courses are offered to Spanish firms in different sectors as well as on trade and investment-related issues.
- Trade Promotion Services, aims to promote the overall image and exporting quality of Spanish industries and services. ICEX organises the participation of Spanish companies in international trade fairs (440 visits to trade fairs with participation from 5000 companies), 440 direct and inverse trade missions and 1300 sectorial promotional activities for 120 different sectors in more than 80 countries.
There are also some sector specific websites (www.winesfromspain.com, www.fashionfromspain.com, www.spaingourmetour.com)
- Support for Export and Foreign Investment Projects. In order to address the growing requests for relevant promotion and support services in this field, ICEX has developed a range of successful programmes over the past years that that helps companies in their way to internationalisation (first steps in exporting, setting up trade and brand building, setting up production, programmes for consultation and engineering projects).
ICEX on line www.icex.es provides all the information on international trade and information on aspects of interest for doing business abroad through a consultancy service that covers fiscal, exchange, logistical aspects, etc. It is an essential meeting point for those who are involved in the internationalization of companies.
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Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Foundation
The Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization that works for the advancement of the country’s trade, especially small business. While it has behind it heritage of more than 8 decades of service an experience in “business chamberism”, it really goes back as far as 1886 with the Camara de Cormercio de Filipinas.
It recognizes the fact that a key factor to economic prosperity is helping the “producer”, out there in the country side, to produce more. It also recognizes the fact that effective marketing of his goods complete the process needed for economic growth.
It cares for the businessman, big or small, a corporation president or “sari-sari” store owner.
MISSION
CCPF in its commitment to “Champion private enterprise and entrepreneurship as the true engine of growth” shall be:
• An ADVOCATE for Commerce and Trade
CCPF will undertake research and issue position papers to ensure that government laws and regulations are supportive of commerce and trade; that mass media assist in making the Filipinos aware of the substantial contributions of commerce and trade; and that the educational system integrates commerce and trade skills into their curriculum.
• A TRAINING CENTER for Commerce and Trade
CCPF will conduct training programs to improve present participants management and other skills in commerce and trade. Entrepreneurial Training Programs (ETP) will also be held for aspiring entrants in the trading sector, special lectures will be provided on the international and ASEAN trading environment by invited renowned speakers.
CCPF will also conduct orientation and training for support sectors of commerce and trade like banks, insurance companies shipping and pertinent government agencies.
• An INFORMATION BASE for Commerce and Trade in the Philippines
CCPF will set up a cooperative network with the Central Bank, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Key Embassies and Federations to establish and make available to interested parties; traders, decision-makers, students, data and information that concerns the trading sector.
ITS TASKS
- To undertake and/or finance researches and development programs that lead to the solution of economic problems and the promotion of trade small business.
- To provide managerial and technical assistance to its members in particular and to the business community in general.
- To provide accessible machinery through which systematic exchange of information and views affecting the economy can be made among those concerned.
- To encourage, promote and strengthen linkages among businessmen, traders, producers and other business entities in all parts of the Philippines and worldwide.
- To provide means of facilitating trade and business by simplifying procedural and documentary requirements. It involves working for the removal or minimization of costly and burdensome red tape.
- To serve as a venue where the private business sector and its government sector counterpart could work harmoniously in accelerating the economic growth of the country.
ITS ON-GOING ACTIVITIES
- Conduct researches on needs of Intramuros Business Locators, small and medium industries development and free trade agreements & smes.
- Conduct training courses, workshops, seminars, symposia, educational campaigns and conventions on matters of vital importance to trade, commerce and small business.
- Promote entrepreneurship development through training programs and seminars.
- Operate the “CCPF Business Complaints and Assistance Center” that will provide immediate action to bring out solutions to problems presented by the Foundation’s members in their business endeavors.
- Conduct regular dialogues with government agencies concerned on various sectoral problems and issues related o trade and commerce.
- Strengthen its membership base in the different regions by reactivating Chamber’s regional chapters and units.
- Encourage its regional based members by providing assistance and support to small business enterprises, particularly those utilizing indigenous raw materials and/or export earning industries.
- Operate a Business and Trade Information Center which provides vital information needed through its circulars, publications, business guides, media releases and library service.
For more information, please visit http://www.philchamber.org
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The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV)
The current French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV), was officially recognized by the Vietnamese authorities by the end of 1998, after foreign business councils were allowed to work in the country.
It was founded 10 years before in 1989 in Ho Chi Minh City by French business men. Nowadays, the CCIFV gathers more than 200 members, in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Our goals
- Supporting the French business community in Vietnam by organizing or participating in various events (fairs and exhibitions, seminars, workshops…etc)
- Helping French companies to set up in Vietnam
- Promote France and French companies in Vietnam
- Promote French Investment in Vietnam through our network: French Chamber of Commerce, UCCIFE (Association of the French Foreign Chamber of Commerce) and French official organization and administration
Our activities
- Regular Luncheon on business topics
- Professional working groups
- Meeting with French political leader visiting Vietnam
- Promotion of French fair & exhibition in Vietnam
- Organization, once every two year of a Charity Gala (this major event gather 450 participants in 2006, with the participation of Pierre Cardin)
Our publication
- Our member’s directory, distributed within the French Chamber network, Foreign Business Group, Eurocham network, Vietnamese authorities and administration, international library…etc
- « Flash Info », our monthly newsletter
- Our website: www.ccifv.org
Employment department
- With the partnership of the French Speaking University Community (AUF), the CCIFV helps French companies to find French speaking staff, with more than 1000 CV available in its database
Commercial Support for French companies willing to invest in Vietnam
- Prospecting the Vietnamese market
- Conducting market research
- Selecting partners and outsourcers
- Organization of business trip
- Follow-up of business trip
- Translation and guide services
For more information, please visit http://www.ccifv.org
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BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC)
The BIMP-EAST ASEAN GROWTH AREA BUSINESS COUNCIL (BIMP-EAGA BC) is the official representative of the private sector of the BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). It brings directly to the attention of the BIMP Governments the concerns and views of the BIMP-EAGA private sector. This is made possible because BIMP-EAGA BC was officially accorded "fifth-country" status at the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of BIMP-EAGA.
An official BIMP-EAGA BC report is usually at the top of each BIMP-EAGA SOM. The BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials deliberate and, where possible, act on the BIMP-EAGA BC report at that particular meeting. Otherwise, follow-up actions on the BIMP-EAGA BC report are carried out immediately after the meeting.
The BIMP-EAGA BC was born 19 November 1994 in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines through Resolution No. 1 of the First East ASEAN Business Convention & Exhibits. The concept was for a private sector organization to catalyze the private sector of EAGA into undertaking economic cooperation activities in the region, and play a lead role in the region's economic development.
The BIMP-EAGA BC Secretariat was launched and first incorporated on November 19, 1996, two years after the creation of the Council. From its office in Brunei, the Secretariat carries on the Council's day-to-day operations.
The BIMP-EAGA BC has the following objectives:
- To promote economic development and other business activities in BIMP-EAGA.
- To serve as the link among business entities and other economic organizations involved in the BIMP-EAGA and to make representations with Governments on their behalf.
- To disseminate information of common interest to members.
- To propose to both public and private sectors such policies, plans, projects and changes in regulations that will enhance business interactions leading to economic development for BIMP-EAGA.
For more information, please visit http://www.bimpbc.org
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BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre (BIMP-FC)
The objective for the creation of the BIMP-FC is to accelerate regional cooperation in BIMP-EAGA by establishing more structured institutional coordination and project facilitation mechanisms. The objectives and rationale of the establishment of BIMP FC is to: i) strengthen coordination between institutions in the sub region; ii) provide the institutional framework to support private sector activities; iii) improve facilitation and implementation of priority projects; iv) establish monitoring and evaluation of projects and agreements; and iv) enhance information dissemination within and outside the sub region. The overall thrust of the organization is to establish BIMP-FC as the focal point for participating governments, stakeholder agencies, and especially the private sector. It would also provide the window for third countries and other development partners to participate in the economic development of BIMP-EAGA.
Under its Terms of Reference, the BIMP-FC shall (i) undertake jointly activities in investment promotion and business networking; (ii) create an information and database; (iii) actively involve and coordinate the promotion of events; (iv) continously undertake monitoring and evaluation activities; and (v) draw the attention of relevant entities to problems raised by the private sectors. The terms of reference also provides BIMP-FC with the mandate to initiate and undertake activities to effectively promote trade, investments, and tourism in the sub region. More importantly, BIMP-FC’s directive is to ensure that the structures and mechanisms in the sub region promote the market-driven and private sector-led strategy of BIMP-EAGA.
The BIMP FC is public sector-led and will complement the efforts of the EABC in coordinating trade and investment activities, in facilitating the implementation and monitoring of priority projects. BIMP-FC is the institutional framework established to provide stronger support for private sector activities.
BIMP-FC commenced operations on 19 August 2003 and has its headquarters at the Sabah Trade Center in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Federal Government of Malaysia and the State Government of Sabah jointly hosted the BIMP-FC from 1 August, 2003 – 31 December, 2005 while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided technical assistance for its institutional and capacity building for the period of 21 months, from July 2003 – April, 2005. Currently, the German Technical Corporation (GTZ) is providing technical assistance of the BIMP-EAGA institutions which included the institutional strengthening of the BIMP-FC.
Linking the National Secretariats, Working Groups, Working Group Clusters, BEBC, and other relevant public and private sector organizations has been identified as the core function of the BIMP FC. BIMP FC is expected to provide coordination and facilitation of cooperation activities/programs that are beyond the scope of the National Secretariats, which essentially covers all activities involving two of the four participating countries. The immediate strengthening activities were focused on the implementation of the Working Group Clusters where the BIMP-FC has been doing consultations with the National Secretariats relative to establishing the terms of reference, agenda of meeting, and the detailed mechanics of implementation of the working group clusters. At the same time that internal institutional linkages are being strengthened, activities towards creating networks of external partners and relationships are also being undertaken.
BIMP FC priority activities are to improve coordination mechanisms, establish project facilitation mechanisms, promote external trade and improve information gathering and dissemination within and outside the sub region.
For more information, please visit http://www.bimp-fc.org
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