Malaysia Global Business Forum» Malaysia Global Business Forum

MGBF Forms Executive Working Group with Council of Arab Economic Unity for High Impact Projects

anne — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:54:50 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, FRIDAY: The final delegates of Malaysia Global Business Forum, Strategic Partners – Malaysia & The Arab World have returned to their countries following the successful completion of the event, business matching and site visits.

Key announcements included the recognition of the Arab Malaysia Chamber of Commerce by the Council for Arab Economic Unity, the formation of a executive working group to identify and promote high impact projects between Malaysia and the Arab World, the Malaysian Governments’ commitment to the Arab world and a series of high level meetings between several large groups from both regions. This is on the back of announcement by the government that FDI’s have returned pre-crisis levels coupled with a GDP growth of 5.5 percent.

“It is no doubt that Arab capital is looking for a safe haven, this can be seen in the London new built property market “In 2011 Middle East money made up 9 per cent of total foreign investment in London’s new-build property, compared to 5 per cent in 2010, according to Jones Lang Lasalle’s sales data with transaction values for newly built homes at around £1.25bn”, but it is time that the Arab world start to use that capital in a more strategic way to ensure sustainable development and long term political security in the region.” Added Nordin,

While the companies involved in the high level business matching session that took place behind closed doors between large groups from the Arab world and Malaysia’s leading companies in the key sectors of, construction, Oil & Gas and Healthcare. “The largest delegation to the business matching was from Qatar, which is no wonder with all that needs to be achieved in that country for the 2022 World Cup. Qatar, the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas, is preparing a $88 billion spending plan to host the 2022 soccer World Cup finals.” Commented Nordin.

“We will not be announcing the figures of deals concluded as that is proprietary information and often sensitive, but I can say that ” Stated, David Velu, Managing Partner of Strategia International, a consulting group that was managing the business matching sessions.

Dato’ Muhkriz Mahathir, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for Malaysia in his address stated, “We have always regarded the Arab Countries as our strategic trade and investment partners and this Forum gives us an opportunity to forge closer business links between Malaysian and Arab Entrepreneurs.” Dato Muhkriz went on to say “The global economy is facing very challenging times, sluggish growth in the United States and a worsening debt crisis in the Eurozone suggest we need to be prudent in how we manage our economic friends. The coming months will therefore test our economic resilience to the fullest. Let us therefore intensify our trade and investment engagement so that we can minimize the economic slow-down on our countries. We need to build on our strengths and also find ways to sustain the momentum of our own economic growth.”

Comments from Chairman of Malaysia Global Business Forum – Nordin Abdullah

Nordin Abdullah stated that Food Security is a high priority for the stabilization of the Arab region. Arab countries need to achieve long-term prosperity while fostering food security. A roadmap for development and poverty reduction using a broad food security program for the region and country specific strategies including the need for developing small farmer organisations and the need to adopt new development paradigms are vital to maintain political stability. Malaysia has its experience to offer in the Palm Oil Industry and with organisations such as FELDA who have been able to successfully integrate small holder’s interests into the national development agenda. Malaysia is now applying its’ expertise to the development of the Halal industry, which is a important component for Arab and all Muslim nations.

Nordin went on to state that, “Private Healthcare developments such as private hospitals, medical tourism and the development of sound economic policies in this sector were vital. The Secretary General, H.E.Al-Rabea has stated that currently his country, Yemen, spends approximately USD1.5 billion annually outside of Yemen on international healthcare, which is a drain on his country’s economy.” Nordin went on to state that in a recent report “information shows according to the U.A.E. Ministry of Economy, the healthcare sector is expected to grow 16% annually and is on a “high growth curve.” Healthcare expenditure is expected to rise to $11.9bn in 2015 from just $3.2bn in 2005. Currently, almost $14bn in healthcare-related projects are underway across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the U.A.E. alone accounting for $2.9bn or roughly 20 percent of those expenditures.”

H.E. Mohamad Al-Rabea stated, “The Arab World has imported internationally in the last year USD123 billion. The Arab World exported approximately 43 billion dollars excluding the exports of Oil & Gas. Exports were primarily in raw materials. This represents a snapshot of some of the opportunities for Malaysian companies who are looking to provide, goods and services to the Arab World.

“While there are 22 countries in the Arab World, we see ourselves as one people and we are working towards a Common Arab Market. As I stated, the Arab World consists of 22 countries and one thing I have been asked is which countries specifically, should Malaysians target. Each country has specific needs and I would suggest Malaysians work with the Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce to identify the viable business partners in each case. The Arab Malaysian Chamber is the bridge you need.” Stated Al-Rabea.

With this in mind, We have formed an executive working committee, for High Impact Projects between Malaysia and the Arab world. This Executive Working Committee will identify and promote these projects to high net worth investors throughout the Arab World and Malaysia. This key group, which I will co-chair, already includes the Council of Arab Economic Unity, the Malaysia Global Business Forum and has the involvement of the Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce together with a key group of advisors from Malaysia and the Arab countries.”Commented the Secretary General.

“The first thing that the committee needs to do is to target specific industries, and then, target specific projects in the Arab World which can be viable for Malaysian businesses.” Stated Al Rabea.

Malaysia and the Arab world have be doing business for hundreds of years, but of late there has not been a reliable bridge between these two areas. Mr. Ridwan Alami, President of the Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce stated that “With the Arab League recognition to AMCC and the support received by AMCC since it was launched a year ago from the Malaysian Government, Ministries and Agencies, the Chamber will be working hard through scheduled programs and initiatives to bring closer the economic and business relationships between Malaysia and the Arab Countries.”

“The AMCC is confident that the Malaysian and Arab business entities will find in AMCC the trusted source for information and guidance to make their business ventures successful.” Added Mr. Alami.

Looking to the Future

“The office of the Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity extends its support and confirms its involvement in the upcoming Malaysia Global Business Forum – High Impact Projects – Malaysia & The Arab World and encourages member nations to become active participants as a means of expanding economic development that will lead to the sustainable future of the people in the Arab World.” Added Mr. Al Rabea

Dagangan negara Arab meningkat RM53.2b

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:13 +0000

Minyak sawit, produk elektrikal antara eksport utama

PERDAGANGAN Malaysia dengan negara Arab meningkat empat kali ganda sejak 10 tahun lalu kepada AS$17.6 bilion (RM53.2 bilion) tahun lalu, kata Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI), Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata, perdagangan lebih tertumpu kepada kelompok produk tertentu dengan eksport utama terdiri daripada minyak sawit, produk elektrikal dan elektronik, dan kimia dan produk kimia, manakala petroleum dan produk petroleum pula adalah import utama Malaysia.

“Ada banyak ruang bagi kedua-dua negara meningkatkan kepelbagaian produk perdagangan pada masa depan.

“Terdapat industri lain yang mana syarikat Malaysia boleh menyumbang kepada negara Arab dengan produk dan perkhidmatan kompetitif seperti makanan dan perkhidmatan halal, peralatan dan perkhidmatan berkaitan minyak dan gas, bahan binaan, farmaseutikal dan perkhidmatan penjagaan kesihatan, termasuk perlancongan perubatan.

“Saya menggesa anda menerokai semua peluang perniagaan ini dalam sesi padanan perniagaan nanti,” kata Mukhriz dalam ucapannya kepada delegasi Majlis Perpaduan Ekonomi Liga Arab pada majlis pelancaran Forum Perniagaan Global Malaysia 2012 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Hadir sama Ketua Setiausaha Majlis Perpaduan Ekonomi Liga Arab, Mohammad Al-Rabea.

Mukhriz berkata, pelaburan negara Arab ke negara ini, khususnya dari negara Teluk berkembang pesat kebelakangan ini, dengan pelaburan utama datang daripada Qatar, UAE, Arab Saudi dan Kuwait.

Kebanyakan pelaburan tertumpu kepada hartanah, pusat beli-belah, hotel, perkhidmatan kewangan dan penjagaan kesihatan, katanya.

Beliau menyaran negara Arab mengambil manfaat daripada kedudukan Malaysia sebagai pusat kewangan Islam global dengan pelbagai aktiviti pembiayaan perdagangan, pengedaran produk dan perkhidmatan halal, termasuk menyediakan kemudahan instrumen penjanaan dana seperti sukuk.

Sementara itu, Mohammad berkata, ramai yang ingin mengetahui hala tuju dunia Arab kini, khususnya selepas berlakunya ‘Arab Spring’ atau kebangkitan rakyat di dunia Arab.

Arab countries keen to invest in Malaysia

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:57:34 +0000

Malaysia could be the next top destination for Arab investors to do business as they are looking forward to redirect their funds to Southeast Asia.

Mohammed Al Rabea, Secretary General of the Council for Arab Economic Unity, The Arab League, told Malaysian news agency Bernama that Arab countries are contemplating moving their funds to safer economies such as Malaysia due to the economic problems in Europe and the US, which have also affected the revenue of Arab countries.

The Secretary General was in Kuala Lumpur to speak at a two-day event, Malaysia Global Business Forum – Strategic Partners – Malaysia and the Arab World, held at the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) on February 21 and 22, 2012. .

He also said that, in reverse, Malaysians would find huge opportunities in the Arab World, at the moment especially in Libya and Qatar.

He added that these countries need companies to undertake construction and infrastructure works. The new government in Libya will need help to carry out reconstruction throughout the country, while Qatar is in the midst of preparations for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Mohammed Al Rabea also encouraged the private sector of Malaysia and the Arab countries to form partnerships and joint ventures.

In addition, he said that Malaysia and the Arab countries should work together towards enhancing halal standards and promoting related products.

“We should develop halal products in the Muslim world. At the same time, we should strengthen the use of halal products in the hospitality industry in the Arab countries,” he said.

Aside from halal products, Middle Eastern investors are also keen to tap into Malaysia’s healthcare industry.

Among those who were present at the event were Malaysia’s Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Arab-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce President Mohamad Radwan Alamis, and Malaysia Global Business Forum Chairman Nordin Abdullah.

In recent years, the amount of investment inflows from the Arab region, especially from the GCC, into Malaysia was growing, with a focus on real estate (shopping malls and hotels), financial services, and healthcare services. In 2011, the trade figure between Malaysia and the Arab region stood at $17.6 billion (RM53.2 billion).

Mohamad Radwan Alamis said he was confident that total trade between Malaysia and Arab countries would exceed $30 billion by 2015.

IJM Construction, WCT Engineering, Eversendai Engineering, and Malaysia Airports Holding are some of the Malaysian companies which have already built strong presence in the Arab region.

The Malaysian government has also introduced 17 service sub-sectors for foreign equity participation last year. This will enable foreign investors to fully own their businesses in telecommunication, private higher education, international schools, and private hospital services sectors.

Global Business Forum kicks off in Malaysia Tuesday

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:53:40 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (KUNA) — Malaysia Global Business Forum will kick off here on Tuesday under the title ” Strategic partners: Malaysia and the Arab World”.

The Vice President of The Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCC) Bahaa’ Makkawi told KUNA that this forum aims at expanding strategic partnership between the Arab nations and Malaysia.

It will focus on various sectors, including healthcare, Islamic banking, infrastructure, food safety, tourism development, and information technology.

This event comes as Arab businessmen are eager to benefit from the Malaysia experience which focuses on expansion into the global markets. The two-day forum also allows Malaysian businessmen to discover various investment opportunities in the Middle East.

The forum will be launched tomorrow by the Malaysian Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Makhreez Mhateer, and attended by the Secretary General of the Arab Economic Unity Council Mohammad Al-Rabae’.

President of AMCC Mohamad Radwan Alami will give a speech on the activities of the chamber.

The forum will see the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the businessmen, as well as visits to some commercial sites in Malaysia.

الدول العربية تنظر بجدية في الاستثمار بماليزيا

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:23:42 +0000

كوالالمبور/ في 22 فبراير/شباط//برناما//– قال الأمين العام لمجلس الوحدة الاقتصادية بجامعة الدول العربية محمد الربيع إن الدول العربية تتطلع الآن إلى تحويل أموالها إلى مناطق أكثر أمنا مثل ماليزيا، وذلك عقب الأزمة الاقتصادية في أوروبا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية0

وقال في مقابلة مع وكالة الأنباء برناما //إن الأزمة الاقتصادية في أوروبا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية أثرت على عائدات الدول العربية، ونحن نتطلع بجدية لإعادة توجيه هذه الأموال إلى اقتصادات آمنة مثل ماليزيا//0

جدير الذكر أن الأمين العام يوجد بكوالالمبور لحضور المنتدى العالمي للأعمال، دورة الشراكة الاستراتيجية بين ماليزيا والعالم العربي المنعقد بمقر هيئة تنمية التجارة الماليزية /ماتريد/0

وقد اجتمع الوفد المشارك مع نائب وزير التجارة الدولية والصناعة الماليزي السيد مخريز محاضير خلال المنتدى المذكور0

وقال محمد الربيع إنهم تبادلوا وجهات النظر وتباحثوا مع مجلس الأعمال العربي الماليزي، وغرفة التجارة العربية الماليزية حول تطوير فرص الأعمال وخلق مشاريع مشتركة توثيق العلاقات بين الجانبين0

وأضاف قائلا: //لقد وجهت دعوة مماثلة إلى مخريز لزيارة القاهرة//، مضيفا أن ماليزيا لم توسع بعد علاقاتها التجارية مع جميع أعضاء جامعة الدول العربية0

ونوه محمد الربيع بأن الوفد قد أعجب بتنمية السياحة الصحية في ماليزيا، وأنه سيعمل على تنفيذ نموذج مماثل في بلاده0

في غضون ذلك، قال رئيس غرفة التجارة العربية – الماليزية محمد رضوان علمي إنه واثق من أن إجمالي التجارة بين ماليزيا والدول العربية سيتجاوز /30/ مليار دولار أمريكي في عام 2015 مقابل /17.6/ مليار دولار أمريكي خلال العشر السنوات الماضية0 //وكالة الأنباء الوطنية الماليزية – برناما//س.ج خ.أ

Huge Opportunities For Malaysian Businesses In Arab Countries

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:20:43 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) — There are huge opportunities for Malaysian businesses in the Arab countries, particularly Libya and Qatar, said the Arab League’s Council of Arab Economic Unity secretary-general Mohammed Al-Rabea.

He said there are large projects in Libya, which has a new government, and in Qatar, which will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He sees two sectors, namely construction and infrastructure, that could offer immediate opportunities for Malaysian businessmen.

“Libya, for example, needs to be reconstructed. The new government needs help in finding companies to undertake this task.

“Qatar will have huge projects because it is preparing for the World Cup and needs Malaysian companies to help,” he told Bernama in an interview.

He said the private sectors of Malaysia and the Arab countries should create partnerships and joint ventures to take advantage of the huge opportunities.

The Council of Arab Economic Unity is in Malaysia for the first time to enhance economic ties as well as for the Malaysia Global Business Forum-Strategic Partners-Malaysia and The Arab World held at the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) on Tuesday.

The delegation had a meeting with Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir during the forum.

Mohammed Al-Rabea also said that Muslim and Arab countries should work very hard towards enhancing the halal standard and promoting halal products.

“I am proud that Malaysia has achieved a high standard in the concept of halal products.

“We should develop the halal products in the Muslim and Arab countries. At the same time, we should strengthen the halal-based products in the hospitality industry in all the Arab countries,” he added.

He said Arab countries are also looking at Malaysia’s healthcare industry, which has been developing very rapidly.

“We are looking at partnerships in this area. The Arab countries have invested billions of dollars in healthcare and services in the Western countries and Europe,” he added.

Yesterday the team also visited KPJ Healthcare, one of Malaysia’s leading healthcare providers.

Mohammed Al-Rabea also invited Malaysian businessmen to participate in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) programme for the economic development of the Arab countries.

He said a US$2 billion fund for the SME programme was established by Kuwait last year.

“This fund, for the economic development of the Arab countries, has been activated. We are looking into the implementation of the programme and hope Malaysia will participate.

“Malaysia has developed its SME programme very well and has the capability of ensuring its sucesss.

“We want Malaysian companies to look into this area and try to help in the manufacturing of products, such as food,” he added.

He said the programme involves 99 products with Malaysia being one of three countries, other than China and Turkey, that have been producing all of the products for the Arab countries.

“I am confident that the Arab countries will support Malaysian products,” he said.

Arab Countries Seriously Looking At Investing In Malaysia

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:17:04 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) — Arab countries are contemplating moving their funds to safer economies like Malaysia following the economic crisis in Europe and the United States, said Mohammed Al-Rabea, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, The Arab League.

“The economic crisis in Europe and the United States has affected the revenue of Arab countries. We are looking seriously to redirect these funds into safe economies like Malaysia,” he told Bernama in an interview here.

The Council of Arab Economic Unity is in Malaysia for the Malaysia Global Business Forum-Strategic Partners-Malaysia and The Arab World held at MATRADE Tuesday.

The delegation had a meeting with Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir during the forum.

Mohammed Al-Rabae said they had exchanged views on potential businesses for Malaysia and the Arab countries.

“We have exchanged views and discussed with the Arab-Malaysian Business Council and Arab-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce to develop businesses and create joint ventures and closer ties.

“I have also extended invitation to Datuk Mukhriz to visit Cairo,” he said, adding that Malaysia has yet to further its business relations with all members of the Arab League.

Mohammed Al-Rabae also said the delegation was impressed with the development of health tourism in Malaysia and would implement a similar model back home.

The Council of Arab Economic Unity will visit KPJ Healthcare, Malaysia’s leading healthcare provider, tomorrow to discuss potential partnerships in the area of healthcare.

Meanwhile, Arab-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce President Mohamad Radwan Alamis said he was confident that total trade between Malaysia and Arab countries would exceed US$30 billion in 2015 from US$17.6 billion over the last 10 years.

“The US$30 billion is not far to achieve. We expect much more.

“There are huge opportunities. There are huge investment opportunities for Malaysian businessmen in the Arab countries, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors,” he said.

Upcoming Malaysia-Arab business forum to enhance economic ties between countries

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:14:29 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming Malaysia Global Business Forum-Strategic Partners-Malaysia and The Arab World, is set to discuss on ways to bring economic ties between the two nations to new heights.

The conference will look at the various business opportunities that the Arab world has for Malaysians and how structural changes in some of the Arab governments will affect the business climate.

In a joint statement yesterday, the Malaysia Global Business Forum and Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce said the Secretary General, Council of Arab Economic Equity, The Arab League, Mohammed Al-Rabee will be a keynote speaker at the forum, scheduled to be held this February 22 at Menara Matrade.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is also slated to speak at the one-day conference.

The Chairman of Malaysia Global Business Forum, Nordin Abdullah, said that the attendance of the Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity at the event was indicative of “how serious the Arab World is about working with Malaysia and Malaysian companies for development.”

“Mukhriz will be speaking to companies from the 16 member countries (of the Arab League) that are attending.

The role that the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and its related agencies play are vital to the success of this event,” Nordin said.

Malaysia is a great example for the developing world especially in the key areas of healthcare, tourism, construction and food security, energy and finance, he said.

“Malaysia is the leading country in the world for raising capital and this makes Kuala Lumpur an obvious choice for Arab companies to set up regional headquarters,” he added. — Bernama

Kuala Lumpur the choice for Arabs to set up offices

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:12:03 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur has been rated the highest among South-East Asian cities for Arab companies to set up regional and representative offices according to a survey by Strategia International.

In a statement, Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) said the survey result came on the back of Malaysia being rated 18th in the Doing Business 2012 Report, up five places from last year, while remaining ranked top in the world for raising credit and fourth in the world for protecting investors.

MGBF said Malaysia and the Arab world had a long history together which went back to the advent of Islam in Malaysia during Malacca’s trading heyday.

“Malaysia is again at the doorstep of some of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world, making it an attractive business destination.

“Malaysia has a lot to offer the Arab world, especially in the areas of healthcare development, food security, islamic banking, infrastructure development and information and communications technology,” it said.

MGBF said it would hold a forum, themed ‘Strategic Partners: Malaysia & The Arab World’, here on Feb 21-22, 2012 which would be led by Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir. — Bernama

Malaysia Global Business Forum Offers Business Opportunities

anne — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:07:03 +0000

KUCHING: Malaysia Global Business Forum has partnered with the Arab Malaysia Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming forum themed ‘Strategic Partners: Malaysia and The Arab World’.

This convergence of common interest has come at an important time when many Arab countries are looking to the ‘Malaysian Model of Development’ while the Malaysian corporate sector has been encouraged to go global.

According to a press release, the Malaysia Global Business Forum was designed to create results for all stakeholders, and the next edition was expected to be no different.

“The forum will enable the Malaysian businessmen to explore the current business opportunities in the Middle East and will also provide the Arab participants to have a first-hand assessment of business prospects in Asia in general and Malaysia in particular,” it stated.

To be held on February 21 and 22, 2012, key sectors that would be covered included healthcare, hospital management, health tourism, Malaysia requires agents in the Arab world.

Other areas under coverage included food security, agriculture production, Halal food manufacturing, palm oil, infrastructure – highway, light and medium railway, port development and property.

On the Islamic finance front the forum would dwelve on Islamic Banking, Takaful and Social development funds.

Delegates could expect to identify investment opportunities and identify potential joint venture partners, establish trade links, learn about the latest developments, while networking with key decision makers from both regions.

Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir would be attending and speaking at the event. Mukriz’s leadership would elevate the forum and allow incoming delegates access to decision makers in Malaysia, it added.

Following the success of the Malaysia Global Business Forums in 2009 and 2010, the Malaysia Global Business Forum would also once again head to Kuching, Sarawak, the date of this event was yet to be confirmed.

The forum to be held in Kuching would take on the defining issues such as tangible business development and investment facilitation themed ‘The Sarawak Blue Ocean’ as the Sarawak economy continues to grow and attract large amounts of Foreign Direct Investments in sectors that included energy, agri-foods and Halal, infrastructure as well as SME manufacturing and services.

The well designed programme would allow for all levels to contribute, share and learn while developing relationships that would lead to positive business outcomes through the open sessions, panel sessions, breakfast with the leaders session, networking sessions, one on one business matching and the investment showcase.

“Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak and the largest city on the island of Borneo is the ideal place to host such a forum and several components have been organised to keep delegates busy either before or after the forum.

“Site visits and additional programmes include the Orang Utan Sanctuary, Golf at Damai Resort, Kuching Night Markets, Sarawak Cultural Village, General City Tour, World Heritage Mulu Caves, Bako National Park, Historical Kuching Tour and the Mangrove Cruise,” it added.

The Malaysia Global Business Forum urged interested parties, whether as delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors in the investment showcase, media or supporting organisations to contact the secretariat to participate.