Local businesses were given invaluable advice and tips on importing and exporting to the increasingly expanding market of Malaysia. This latest event organised by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and held at the host sponsor premises HSBC was also sponsored by UKT&I, Norwich City Council and the High Commission of Malaysia/MIDA.

Simon Wood, Technical Director of Lotus Cars Ltd, Tracey Howard, International Trade Director of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Dato’ Rustam Yahaya, Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia

Richard Casburn, Regional International Commercial Manager from HSBC, discussed the various methods of payment which exporters must consider when trading overseas.

Martin Simpson, International Commercial Manager of HSBC said, “I thought the seminar went very well. The varied speakers ensured everyone got something out of the presentations and I thought the networking also went well.”

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director of Norfolk Chamber gave details of the wide array of services available through the International Department of the Norfolk Chamber such as ECert and ECert Xpress – the electronic versions of submitting export documents for certification which is now becoming a very popular, fast and efficient service.  Other reliable services include Translations and Training Courses.

“Our International Training Courses are not just for those who are new to export.  If companies have staff who have been producing export documents for quite some time, it is well worth signing them up onto our courses as a refresher as rules and regulations are constantly changing.”

Delegates also heard from Dato’ Rustam Yahaya, the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK who gave details of the country’s plans and vision to 2020.

Bradley Rowley, International Trade Adviser from East of England International spoke of the schemes available from UKT&I including their flagship “Passport to Export” scheme which has been widely utilised by many Norfolk companies.  They offer companies free advice and access to services to assist them to enter international markets.

The event ended with an excellent presentation from Simon Wood, Technical Director of Lotus Cars Ltd who gave interesting facts, figures and comparisons with the UK as well as offering cultural tips on what to do and what not do when visiting Malaysia.

John Murfitt, MD of Norfolk Capacitors attended the event and said, “The seminar on trading with Malaysia was well thought out with the right number if speakers reflecting the Country as it really is, not just promotion hype. This I found refreshing and of strong interest. As a company that already trades in this area although not to a great scale, it was good to know that the economy is strong and supported by large multi-nationals.”

For information of future events organised by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, please call the International Team on 01603 729711.