Ambassador Abdullah Faiz Zain addresses the National Steel Congress
At the invitation of the Instituto Chileno del Acero (Chile Steel Institute), Ambassador Faiz addressed the VII National Congress of the Steel Institute at the coastal resort of Viña del Mar on 24 August 2007.
In his 45-minute power point presentation, Ambassador Faiz spoke on 'Development and Transfer of Technology in Malaysia'.
To give a general perspective and the context of the thrust of the Malaysian economy and industrial drives, Ambassador Faiz touched briefly on the history, people, geography, economy and trade of Malaysia. The 100 odd delegations were also informed about Rukun Negara, the guiding principles of the Nation and the desire to be an industrialized nation in our own mould as envisioned in 'Vision 2020'.
Ambassador further informed the Congress that the Malaysian government was trying to improve its competitiveness in high-end activities and also to encourage investment in its agricultural sector. The latter is the key innovation in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP, covering 2006-2010), released on 31 march. The 9MP continues with the theme of promoting the development of a 'knowledge-based economy', by supporting education and training, technology, research and development (R&D) especially in the information, communication and technology (ICT) industries.
The notable and welcome new initiative in the 9MP is an increase in planned spending on agriculture and related industries and a shift away from infrastructure spending. This is partly a reflection of the government's concern over rising urban-rural income inequalities and a desire to promote rural development (a large increase in expenditure on utilities in rural areas is also in the Plan).
Ambassador Faiz also spoke on the steel and construction industry in Malaysia which shares 3.3 percent of the country?s GDP (2003) and employs over 500,000 workers. The delegations were impressed with the SMART Tunnel with its dual purpose of alleviating traffic and floods.
The Embassy took the opportunity to promote Malaysia by distributing brochures provided by Tourism Malaysia. Last year about 1,600 Chileans visited Malaysia.
The Chilean Steel Institute (ICHA) led by Mr. Mariano Nicholas, President led a ten-man delegation to Malaysia last year. They were impressed with development in Malaysia and are organizing a second visit to Malaysia end of October this year.
This is the seventh year the Chilean Steel Institute (ICHA) is organizing the National Steel Congress. ICHA has invited several speakers to the congress including Ambassador Faiz on the theme 'Energy and Technology Transference' during the three days event. The Congress was attended by delegations comprising players from the steel and construction industries.
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