Malaysia-Indonesia RGL enables AFECA countries to capitalise on RCEP initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR: The MalaysiaIndonesia reciprocal green lane (RGL) travel bubble will encourage collaborations between Asian Federation of Exhibition and ConventionAssociations(AFECA) countries in order to capitalise on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) initiatives.

AFECA president Datuk Vincent Lim said the move would also signal abundant possibilities for the business events (BE) trade and business activities ahead.

“This initiative is timely as BE industry sectors prepare for the recovery plan led by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC),” he said in a statement.

Lim noted that the BE is an important economic sector under the purview of the ministry, and AFECA looks forward to a positive outcome for the revival of the BE as it welcomes business travellers to Malaysia, albeit complying to a strict health and standard operating procedure (SOP) protocol to be formulated by the relevant authorities.

He added that at this juncture, step-by-step approach is vital by opening to business travellers first which will be monitored and supported by the relevant bodies.

All BE industry stakeholders are more than willing to share feedbacks and comply fully with the Malaysian government’s directives, as the safety and wellbeing of all comes first.

In 2019, a total of 1,025 business events were organised and attracted over 540,000 international business travellers to Malaysia for the purpose of attending meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

The BE sector (or MICE – meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) play a huge role in regenerating entire economies.

“With these plans and commitment from the government, we are looking forward to the recovery and rebuilding of the BE industry for the country very soon,” Lim added.

AFECA is the only international umbrella association in Asia and serves 37 national MICE associations including Malaysia.