MELBOURNE, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- The newly-elected President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council, Victoria, (AMVC Vic) Joe Perri has pledged to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Perri, a business consultant, said the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) would provide many opportunities for business leaders and professionals to enhance their profile in Malaysia and reap the benefits such initiatives would offer.
"Malaysian Government trade officials have visited Australia to speak of the opportunities available and the scope of MAFTA in bilateral relationships," Perri said.
He said AMBC was fortunate in that it had the support of the Victorian State Government's Department of Business and Innovation team here and in Kuala Lumpur.
Perri said he was delighted with the support being given by the Malaysian Consul General here, Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya, who was elected an honorary member of AMBC.
"We were happy when the Malaysian Government opened a consulate here more than a year ago and this will make our bilateral work easier," he said.
Perri said his council would work closely with officers at the Sydney-based Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corp) and MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority).
Another goal will be to promote the business, expertise and backgrounds of member companies through the "AMBC Victoria Directory".
Perri is also keen to increase the council membership by publicising its benefits and the fact that doing business with Malaysia will provide the gateway to Asia.
Perri paid tribute to the outgoing president Mike Anderson for his great work over several years. Anderson is stepping down due to health reasons.
The new executive committee comprised the President, Joe Perri; Treasurer, Trevor Hains; Secretary, Anita Kilkenny; members Juris Austrums, James Liew, Lee Aik Sern, Andy Lau, Raj Thanarajah and James Fabris.
-- BERNAMA
