HOW WILL MALAYSIA WITHSTAND A GLOBAL SLOWDOWN?

Economic indicators show that the world economy will slow down in 2019. At the moment, the world is still experiencing an upswing economic cycle but many believe we are hitting the growth peak. Apart from cyclical predictive modelling, other factors may contribute to worsening the slowdown, such as the enduring of the US-China trade war, the stagnation of the EU and the slower growth of the Chinese economy. Furthermore, Brexit, oil prices and commodity markets may play a role.

In a heavily interconnected world, global trends have implications on regional ones. Even if ASEAN is enjoying the highest growth rates in the world, this region will not be immune to the consequences of this predicted "slowbalisation". The region may be affected indirectly due to interdependence of supply chains with China and the flows of trade between the latter and ASEAN. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities for short terms wins, like factories moving out from China and setting up in South East Asia.

In this rapidly changing geopolitical scenario, it is important to look at the implications for Malaysia and, how the country may withstand risks and threats, or take advantage of opportunities and capitalise on its strengths.

The Trade & Investment Forum 2019 aims to contribute to this discussion by providing a high level dialogue opportunity for the business community to meet Malaysian policy makers and government representatives. Like every year, this important occasion will see EUMCCI's Sector Committees launching their joint Position Paper "Trade Issues and Recommendations" and formally present it to our guest of honour, YB Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking.