Malaysian companies tap opportunities in India’s construction sector
NEW DELHI: India’s construction sector is increasingly attracting Malaysian companies looking to diversity their export markets.
Thirteen companies making products ranging from bathroom fittings to children’s playground equipment are part of the Malaysian pavilion at the fourday ACETECH industry fair, which opened in New Delhi on Thursday.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( Matrade) sees rising demand for construction and building materials in India due to largescale projects in the infrastructure, transport and housing sectors.
“This is the first time we organised a Malaysian pavilion at this trade fair and we hope to regularly participate in such events. We see the construction and building materials sector as a key driver of Malaysian export growth,” said Datin Rusiah Mohamed, director, Construction and Business Services Section, at Matrade.
“Malaysian companies have good quality products and they can compete on price in the Indian market,” she told Bernama.
Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Hidayat Abdul Hamid asked Malaysian participants at the event to take advantage of the MalaysiaIndia Comprehensive Economic Agreement (MICECA) to seek new business.
“Malaysian companies need to familiarise themselves with the Indian market, its business procedures and the ways to build relations with potential partners. The bilateral trade agreement gives them an edge over companies from other places. It’s important to benefit from these opportunities,” Hidayat said.
Malaysian and Indian customs officials recently held talks to improve trade procedures, customs clearance and certification rules.
Most Malaysian companies participating in the Delhi event said they were looking for local distributors and representatives.
“We see India as an important market to diversify our export business and offer alternative products to Indian importers,” said Zara Zaki, International sales manager for Pro-Landscape Structure Sdn Bhd.
Comdelta Technologies Sdn Bhd, a manufacturer of aircraft warning lights used on ground structures, sees telecommunications and aviation as major growth sectors. — Bernama