Participants of the “Shanghai Free Trade Zone Roundtable Conference”
Following a recent online discussion session with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (‘ACCCIM’), researchers of a joint research collaboration between TAR UC and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (‘SASS’) organised the “Shanghai Free Trade Zone Roundtable Conference” on 4 September 2021. The online conference attracted 10 ACCCIM members who are currently conducting businesses in China, to share their experience.
Representatives from ACCCIM included Dato’ Tan Tian Meng, Secretary-General of ACCCIM cum Chairman of Joint Committee between ACCCIM and Oversea Organisations, Mr. Koong Lin Loong, Treasurer of ACCCIM cum Chairman of ACCCIM Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Committee, Dato’ Ng Yok Gee, National Council Member of ACCCIM cum Chairman of ACCCIM International Trade and Industry Committee, Datuk Wira Lim Chiun Cheong, National Council Member of ACCCIM cum Deputy Chairman of ACCCIM Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee, Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, National Council Member of ACCCIM cum Chairman of ACCCIM Welfare Committee, Mr. Ng Shern Yau, Deputy Chairman of ACCCIM Digital Economy Committee, Dato’ Beh Hang Kong, Former Vice Chairman of ACCCIM Malaysia-China Economic, Trade and Investment Promotion Committee, Mr. Khoo Ee Ping, Former Chairman of Malaysia-China Economic, Trade & Investment Promotion Committee, The Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (KLSCCCI), Dato’ Quek Ngee Meng, Vice President of The Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR), and Mr. Yoong Kang Chee, Finance Corporate Officer of Parkson Retail Group Limited, China
Assoc Prof Dr Ng Swee Chin, Vice President of TAR UC shared that the roundtable session would enable the research team to obtain better insight towards the opportunities, challenges and prospects Malaysian businesses will face in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
“In addition to knowing the benefits and challenges Malaysian businesses could potentially face via data analysis and trade matching, a more detailed analysis can be made from hearing first-hand experience from industry leaders with regards to specific matters Malaysian companies need to be aware of when venturing into international businesses in China. These include matters such as keeping abreast of the latest foreign policies, capital control of both countries and so on.”
During the conference, delegates also touched on the significance of the participation of ASEAN in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (‘RCEP’) which will provide more avenues for Malaysian businesses once it takes effect, enabling businesses to recover from the shock the Covid-19 crisis brought onto the world’s economy. Furthermore, the loosening of China’s fiscal policies will also create more prospects for foreign investors and business opportunities.
The online roundtable conference was attended by the research team from TAR UC’s Centre for Business and Policy Research (‘CBPR’) led by Dr Foo Lee Peng, Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business’ (‘FAFB’) Department of Economics and Corporate Administration, and Dr Chin Mui Yin, Deputy Dean of FAFB. Also in attendance were the representatives from the Institute of Economics at SASS which included Prof Lei Xinjun, Associate Research Professor and Dr Wang Jia, Assistant Research Professor.
This roundtable conference is part of the second phase of a joint research project between TAR UC and SASS entitled “Belt and Road Initiative and Shanghai Free Trade Zone Strategies”. The second phase is scheduled to be carried out over a period of 6 months, from March to September 2021.
