A Luncheon Seminar Conducted By Mr. K. Sukomaran Director, Chicago Office Malaysian Industrial  Development Authority (MIDA) and Ms. Ooi Chooi Im Director, Agro-Based Industries Malaysian Industrial  Development Authority (MIDA) Kuala Lumpur Note: Mr. Sukomaran and Ms. Im will be available for individual consultations following the luncheon. Also, remarks by John A. Kazour, President  of Petrotech, Inc. on a Louisiana company’s  business experience in Malaysia.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 12:00 Noon - 2:00 p.m.  (11:30 a.m. registration  and networking) Plimsoll Club, 30th Floor, WTC (Free validated parking  in the WTC Garage)

Malaysian Economy and Malaysia-U.S. Business Relations

Malaysia, a country of 26 million at the heart of Southeast Asia, over the last 40 years has transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a dynamic, progressive and modern industrial and technological leader in Asia. Currently, manufacturing comprises 30% of its economy, and the country continues to be a leading world producer of oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper, and timber. Malaysia is also a net exporter of oil and gas. The country is fully engaged in the latest technology initiatives: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), biotechnology, and multimedia development.

Malaysia is the 18th largest trading nation in the world. It is the United States’ 10th largest trading partner and 18th largest export market. The U.S. is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and is the largest investor in Malaysia, mainly in the oil & gas and chemicals manufacturing sectors.

Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)

MIDA is the principal Malaysian Government Agency responsible for industrial promotion and development in Malaysia (www.mida.gov.my). MIDA provides assistance and coordination to companies in the implementation and operation of their projects. The MIDA office based in Chicago assists in the promotion of two-way business relations between Malaysia and 20 states in the mid-west and southern U.S., including Louisiana.