NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - On May 14, 2014, the World Trade Center New Orleans hosted delegates of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for an invitation-only breakfast meeting and presentation to discuss options for Louisiana businesses and investors in Malaysia. Balkish Mohd. Yasin, Director of the Oil & Gas Services Division, spoke on the priority areas of Malaysia’s oil and gas industry including oilfield machinery and equipment developments, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) activities, engineering design, and storage & supply base.

Alongside remarks by MIDA Deputy Director Nadirah Nazri, Executive Aimuni Ismali and Investment Officer Edmond Bastiampillia, Yasin also highlighted other growing industries and interests in Malaysia such as retail, financial services, tourism, electrical, agriculture, and general business services.

Malaysia currently ranks among the top 20% of countries for investment globally, with the United States among its top investors. The number of total investments approved for the U.S. in Malaysia rose from $54 billion to $66 billion in 2013.  The Malaysian delegation also emphasized the country’s political and economic sustainability, flexibility, liberal investment policies, pro-business government, sound banking system, and well-developed infrastructure. Other discussion points included Malaysia’s close connection to investment regions such as the Middle East and other potential negotiating markets such as EU.

                                                     About MIDA 

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government's principal agency for the promotion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia.

Incorporated as a statutory body under the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) Act, the establishment of MIDA in 1967 was hailed by the World Bank as "the necessary impetus for purposeful, positive and coordinated promotional action" for Malaysia's industrial development. Today, MIDA's is Malaysia's cutting-edge, dynamic and pioneering force in opening pathways to new frontiers around the globe.

                                           About WTC New Orleans

The World Trade Center New Orleans is one of the strongest international business organizations in the Gulf Coast region, consisting of 1,000+ companies as well as high profile individual members. This membership base represents a diverse group of industry leaders, companies, professional organizations, and government institutions that include manufacturers, energy, agriculture, maritime, digital media, foreign consulates, and other interests. In 2013, member organizations were able to significantly contribute to the state’s record-breaking exports, the total value of which exceeded $63.1 billion. This strong international organization creates a variety of opportunities for its stakeholders with the objective to add wealth to its community as well as create jobs through international trade and related services while fostering business and economic development by engaging in allied activities. 

For more information, please visit www.wtcno.org.
WTC New Orleans can also be reached at tel. (504) 529-1601 or email info@wtcno.org 

(PHOTO: From left to Right: MIDA Investment Officer Edmond Bastiampillia, MIDA Executive Aimuni Ismali, MIDA Deputy Director Nadirah Nazri, MIDA Director of the Oil & Gas Services Division Balkish Mohd Yasin, WTC New Orleans Trade Programs Director Eliza Brierre, WTC New Orleans CEO Dominik Knoll, WTC New Orleans Membership Director Scott Lawless)