A prestigious Malaysian delegation, under the patronage Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj, Tengku Laksamana State of Selangor, embarked on a landmark investment mission titled ALAA Investment Mission to the Middle East 2024 (AIM 2024) from 7th to 13th September 2024. 

Organized by ALAA Consultancy (M) Sdn Bhd, this high-level mission sought to enhance collaboration and attract new investment opportunities between Malaysia and key nations in the Middle East, specifically Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. 

These nations, known for their strategic importance in the global economy, represent crucial partners for Malaysia's ambitious goals of fostering cross-border trade and investment in sectors such as oil and gas, marine operations, construction and infrastructure (particularly government projects), and pharmaceuticals, especially in animal vaccine. 

The mission also explored opportunities in renewable energy, focusing on battery technology and tire recycling, and in telecommunications linked to Indonesia’s infrastructure projects. 

Malaysia’s poultry industry is poised to play a significant role in food security, becoming a major supplier of raw chicken in Malaysia. 

In the realm of property development, large-scale projects like the Hard Rock Hotel in Genting Highlands and the Langkasuka project in Langkawi are expected to draw substantial Middle Eastern investment, particularly in tourism and luxury real estate. 

With the mission strategically targeting USD1.7 billion in potential deals from each of the three nations - Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar - this endeavour is definitely a defining moment for Malaysia’s deepening ties with the Middle East. 

The mission has the potential to solidify Malaysia’s reputation as a key player in global trade, leveraging its robust industries and expertise to foster sustainable partnerships that transcend borders. 

The delegation led by Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Syed Hussein Al-Habshee, former Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE, included prominent figures such as Tan Sri Dr. Madinah Mohamad, Chairman of ALAA Consultancy Sdn Bhd; Aziz Ahmad, CEO of ALAA Consultancy Sdn Bhd; and Husna Nashim, Managing Director of ALAA Consultancy Sdn Bhd. 

Key members also included Azirul Salihin, Head of Investment & Strategic Planning; Raja Ismail, Legal Advisor; and Dato Mohd Shukri Abdullah, Chief of Mission. 

These leaders, accompanied by a delegation of senior executives from nine influential Malaysian companies, brought with them a wealth of experience, expertise, and business acumen. 

Their collective aim is to open new doors for collaboration and investment in a variety of sectors that are critical for the future growth and development of both Malaysia and the Middle Eastern nations. 

The delegation’s itinerary, which included visits to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, reflects the ambition and scope of this mission. 

Each country represented a unique opportunity for Malaysia to engage in high-level discussions with government officials, influential business leaders, and prominent investment bodies. 

In Kuwait, the mission spanned from 7th to 9th September 2024, where the delegation engaged in a series of meetings designed to promote mutual investment opportunities. 

A formal dinner hosted by Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Vice Chairman of Action Group Holding, served as the official kick-off for the mission, providing a platform for Malaysian delegates to foster strong personal and business relationships with influential Kuwaiti leaders. 

Following this, meetings with Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Investment Direct Promotion Authority, and Emad Al Zaid, General Manager of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, paved the way for strategic discussions about potential investment avenues across various key sectors. 

Moreover, the delegation engaged with Sheikh Yousef Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, former Director-General of Kuwait Ports Authority, during a private dinner meeting, allowing further in-depth discussions about Kuwait's critical role in regional trade and logistics. 

As part of the mission's business matching agenda, high-level engagements were held with leading Kuwaiti companies such as Life Medicine Quality, Alain Oil Service Company led by Dr Alaa Moamer, Managing Director and Ali Albasri, CEO, and Bader bin Naser Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman of Zain (Mobile Telecommunications). 

These discussions were aimed at identifying synergies that could lead to large scale investments and partnerships in industries critical to both nations' future growth and sustainability. 

In the United Arab Emirates, where the delegation from 9th to 11th September 2024, there was an equally ambitious agenda. 

With the UAE emerging as a global hub for trade, innovation, and investment, the Malaysian delegation met with influential business leaders and investors to discuss large-scale collaborations. 

Notably, the mission involved high-level meetings with Mohammed Al Otaiba from the Mohammed Al Otaiba Group during a lunch meeting in Dubai. 

These discussions focused on exploring investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure development especially for project Hard Rock Hotel in Genting Highlands and Langkasuka project in Pulau Langkawi. 

Further pivotal meetings were held with Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq Group. 

On 10th September, a formal networking dinner was hosted by Ali Shateri, a well-regarded figure in the UAE business landscape, reflecting the high-profile nature of the mission. 

Key business-matching sessions were held with Dr. Rahim Ibrahim Shaikh, Independent Vice President of the Mohammed Al Otaiba Group, and Peter Abraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer of International Holding Company. 

These sessions were designed to explore collaborative ventures that would drive significant growth and innovation in key industries in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

The mission concluded in Qatar, from 11th to 13th September 2024, where the delegation once again pursued USD1.7 billion in investment opportunities. 

Qatar, a major player in the global energy and investment sectors, offered the Malaysian delegation unparalleled opportunities to engage with some of the most influential decision-makers in the region. 

High-level meetings with Mohd Bin Twar, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), were crucial in setting the stage for future collaborations in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. 

On 12th September, a comprehensive business-matching session brought together Malaysian delegates and key figures such as Dr. Mourad Aly, CEO of Tamam Capital; Okba Hachani, Group Senior Finance Manager of Estithmar Holding; and Rashid Ali Al-Mansoori, CEO of Aamal Company. 

This generated significant interest and potential partnerships, further driving Malaysia’s economic engagement with Qatar. 

Throughout the mission, Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) were signed in each country, formalizing the intentions of both parties to collaborate on future investments and partnerships. 

These agreements not only ensured confidentiality but also signified the seriousness and commitment of both sides to explore long-term and mutually beneficial collaborations. 

AIM 2024 represents a unique opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its strengths and capabilities on the global stage. 

It also serves as a call to action for other Malaysian companies to explore opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly developing markets of the Middle East. 

The success of this mission will undoubtedly pave the way for future collaborations, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in global trade and investment. - KitaReporters/Media Release