The first German Malaysian Round Table (GMRT) took place at the premises of the Federal Association of the Security and Defense Industry (BDSV). Count Westarp, Chapter Initiator of the GMRT Berlin, and Mr. von Büren, Managing Director of the BDSV, opened the GMRT with a welcome to the participants and a brief introduction to the keynote speeches to be expected. The founding idea and the development of the GMRT in recent years were also presented.
On March 1, 2019, the focus was on bilateral economic relations between Germany and Malaysia. This first GMRT focused in particular on security and defense policy, Germany\’s role in the region and the DSA 2020 (Defence Services Asia) trade fair and conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Speakers were Mr. Yusri Chu from Mida (Consulate General of Malaysia Frankfurt Malaysian Investment Development Authority), Mr. Maus from the German Ministry of Defence as well as Mr. White (International Project Director) and Mr. Eikmeier (Sales Agent Germany) from DSA.
It was emphasized that Germany was one of the first investors in Malaysia and that bilateral relations have greatly improved over the past 60 years. Malaysia offers an investment-friendly climate (100% Equity Ownership; Repatriation of Income; Employment of Expatriates) and is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. With 5.3% economic growth, it is one of the fastest and fastest growing regions in the world. Malaysia is currently experiencing strong economic development – especially in the areas of digitalization, Industry 4.0 and e-commerce. In 2018, Germany was Malaysia\’s twelfth largest trading partner and the largest investments from the EU come from Germany.
Many expressed strong interest in further German Malaysian Round Tables in Berlin, and so we are already looking forward to the 2nd Berlin GMRT scheduled for May 14, 2019 at Rödl & Partner\’s premises, where the focus will be on experiences with the new Sales and Services Tax as well as new developments for Malaysia as part of the ASEAN network.
Guntram Kaiser Ludwig Count Westarp
