More media reports on Yemen event

From Yemen News Agency (Sabanews.net)

Four treaties, Memos signed in Mukalla conference

MUKALLA, Dec. 23 (Saba)- Four treaties and memos of understanding singed in the sideline of Industry Conference, Yemen Future concluded its activities here on Tuesday.

The first treaty, signed between Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and local authority in Hadramout for establishing complete tourist compound with initial cost estimated at $ 10 millions. The treaty was signed by Governor of Hadramout Salem al-Khanbashi and Chairman of Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Aidrus al-Attas.

Malaysian CM Company and al-Amqi Group for Trade and Investment signed the second treaty. The treaty stipulates on establishing the compound of fishery industries in Hadramout worth $ 2.5 millions.

Ministry of Industry and Trade and Malaysian Sirim Company signed memo of understanding for cooperation in setting up Yemeni development industry strategy. Deputy minister of industry and trade for development and investment sector Abdullah Abdul-Wali and Vice Chairman of Malaysian Sirm Company Asmadi Saeed signed the memo.

Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Malaysian Chamber of Commerce signed the second memo of understanding.

Participants of Mukalla conference demand promoting industries

MUKALLA, Dec. 23 (Saba)- Participants in the Industry Conference, Yemen’s Future recommended setting up development strategy for promoting national industries.

The recommendations, the conference came out with, suggested creating funding pocket for industrial investments, especially small and middle-sized industries. This also included participation of all private banks and reducing profits on loans granted to agricultural activities. They affirmed carrying out made in Yemen program and preparing studies on effects of international industrial changes.

The recommendations asserted on enhancing partnership relations between the government and the private sector and working on developing them and setting up joint strategy for following up carrying out the conference’s recommendations.

They stressed necessity of working on revising related laws and by-laws for updating and improving them.

The recommendation argued concerned bodies to prepare geological studies to resources and rocks and making these studies available to those who intend to invest in this field.

The recommendations affirmed necessity of preparing initial studies to promising industrial studies; especially those depend on local materials and making them available investors.

They also affirmed importance of revising banking policies, formal and private. They included giving real incentives for investments in industrial sector. Customs and taxis exemptions are the basis of these incentives.

Participants had held two work sessions. The first session dealt with a number of successful international experiences in field of industrial development presented by Malaysian Siram Company, Al-Arabi Group and Salalah Free Zone in Oman.

While the second session included factors of enhancing contest of national industries followed by a number of comments made by Secretary General of Yemeni Manufacturers, Hudeidah Commercial and Industrial Chamber and the Technical Organization of the Supreme Council for Developing Industries.

From Yemen Observer:

Establishing Yemeni-Malaysian businessmen council significant: Premier says
By: Faisal Darem, Dec 23, 2008

Prime Minister Ali Mujawar emphasized on Saturday the significance of establishing a Yemeni-Malaysian Businessmen Council to coordinate economic efforts between both countries. 

During his meeting with the Malay Chamber of Commerce’s President Ali al-Aattas, Mujawar highlighted the potential means of developing  the economic and investment partnership between Yemen and Malaysia. 

The meeting also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in various services, productive and investment sectors as well as increasing the volume of future trade between the two countries.  The recent preparations for the Malaysian cultural festival in Yemen, to be held in the 2nd half of 2009, were addressed during the meeting. Al-Alattas made clear that the festival would be held yearly in both Sana’a and Kuala Lumpur. 

He discussed the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce’s plan to improve trade and investment between the two countries.

Launch of Conference and Exhibition in Yemen

Mahathir: Yemen Must Produce Quality Products To Industrialise

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Mahathir Mohamad is Guest of Honour at Yemen industry conference and exhibition

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) — Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today Yemen should always ensure that its products are of good quality if it wishes to industrialise. “Then in future people will trust all Yemeni products. And when they do this, the progress of industrialisation would be easier and faster,” he said in his speech during a talk on “Industry, The Country’s Future” at the “Made in Yemen” conference in Mukalla.

He said if “Made in Yemen” goods were to be sold in the local market and in other countries, then its quality standards must be very high. “Once buyers are confident that the quality standards are always maintained selling the products would become much easier,” he was quoted saying in a statement released here today.

Dr Mahathir said Yemen would be able to industrialise if it chooses the right products to manufacture. He said to be an industrialised country, the first need was a government that was interested to do so as it played a big role in the industrialisation process. “It must be prepared to make adjustments in policies and even make sacrifices so as to enable the capital and the technology to be made available for the industries,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said although the industrialisation could be carried out by the government itself, the quality of the products was usually poor and could not compete in the world market. “If I may say so, it is far better if the industrialisation is carried out by the private sector. “The need to make private industries profitable ensures that it is well managed and the products would be of good quality, competitively priced and readily accepted by the consumers,” he said.

However, Dr Mahathir said in some instances, it was necessary for the government to start the industry before privatising. The government, he said, must contribute by providing good laws to support industry by designing taxes to encourage industries to be set up. “Sometimes making industries tax-free would facilitate and attract investment in industries,” he said.

He said the government would also get more revenue because of the prosperity created by industries. The government, he said, must also ensure that the administration was efficient and free from corruption because industrialisation was difficult to achieve if corruption was rampant.

He said the political head of government must take an interest in ensuring that the time-table for approval was adhered to by the administrators and if there is a delay, he must make enquiries particularly when there was a complaint from the applicants concerned. “This way the opportunities for corruption would be minimal,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said apart from having good training and educational facilities to produce skilled workers and managers, the government must also provide the necessary infrastructure. He also pointed out the importance of research for quality enhancement, packaging and branding for the products to enjoy premium prices.

All news reports from Yemen News Agency (Sabanews.net) on 22 December 2008:

Prime Minister launches the First National Industry Conference

MUCALLA, Dec. 22 (Saba)-Prime Minister Ali Mujawar launched on Monday the Fist National Industry Conference in Yemen. The two-day conference is organized by Hadramout Commerce and Industry Chamber in cooperation with Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

In the ceremony, Mujawar spoke to the attendants and welcomed Yemen’s businessmen guests who came from brotherly and friendly countries, hoping the conference success for realizing its aims. ” Our political leadership and the government belief in importance of improving wise governance system in Yemen for it is considered the basic approach for pushing forward development path and it is the ideal way for nationalizing the industry and attracting foreign investments,” said the prime minister.

He talked about economic, financial and administrative reforms Yemen has been carrying out since 1995 and considered them basic axis for economic and social development, noting that development path has been enhanced in the national agenda for reforms.

He renewed call to Yemeni, Arab and Foreign investors to make use of investment facilitations the country provides and utilizing investment opportunities available in Yemen. He reviewed projects of setting up industrial zones. He noted that three zones have been launched till now in governorates of Aden, Hudeidah and Lahj. He described launching these zones as important step.

For his part, Previous Malaysian Prime Minister Mahthir Mohammad talked about Malaysia industrial experience and steps the country has followed for realizing inclusive renaissance via promoting industries “Yemen has to work much for creating suitable industrial environment that would have great reflection on middle term if we don’t say in short range. Many countries have become rich because of wealth reflected by industry process,” said Mohammad.

He affirmed that Yemeni government must be ready to amend its different laws and legislations unable to attract local and foreign investments. He asserted improving administrative performance for eradicating corruption which is increasing by management’s bad performance.

“If you could create competence in Yemen, industrial development will be easy,” he said. He indicated importance of combating financial and administrative corruption in terms of granting investments licenses that must be short, “laws are not able to fight corruption.”

“Yemeni government must provide necessary infrastructure wither ports or electricity, roads, waters or others and providing training and qualification centers,” said previous Malaysian Prime Minister. He noted that Yemen has to create industries of high quality to be able to enter contest actively.

For his part, Yemeni Minister of Industry Yahya al-Mutawakel affirmed importance of giving Yemeni industry and its different activities all concern and care saying that industry sector did not get due care in the past. He noted that contribution of transformation industry in GDP does not exceed 6%. He affirmed government’s keenness on giving this sector enough care and concern for realizing complete benefit of its promising capabilities.

Mujawar opens Yemeni Industries Show in Mukalla

MUKALLA, Dec. 22 (Saba)- Prime Minister Ali Mujawar opened Yemeni Industries Show on Monday. Along with Malaysian Previous Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, Mujawar toured a number of the show’s suites. The suites included a number of Yemeni product made by great Yemeni companies and a number of products of Malaysian companies. He expressed admiration for the Yemeni industries he saw in the show. He argued manufacturers to double efforts for improving quality of the national industry and make it able to contest with equivalent Arab industries. He stressed on Yemeni manufacturers to take care of marketing process and propagation for their products to keep pace with modern developments in field of manufacturing.

Mujawar meets Mahathir Mohammed

MUKALLA, Dec. 22 (Saba) – Prime Minister Ali Mujawar met on Monday in Mukalla city with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed, who is participating in the conference “Industry Future of Yemen “which started its activities on Monday in Mukalla. They have reviewed Yemeni-Malaysian economic and cultural cooperation relations and their future horizons, particularly means of boosting joint investment work in oil, minerals, tourism, fishery wealth sectors and confirming to make use of the significant Malaysian economic experiences which was led by Dr. Mahathir Mohammed.

Mujawar has confirmed the need for institutional development for cooperation relations between the two countries at governmental and private sector levels and exchanging databases about ways of investment, indicating interest to make advantage of Malaysian experiences and apply them in Yemen to boost economic and human development activities. On his part, Mahathir showed Malaysia’s readiness to offer its experiences in industrial and human development fields, so as to serve Yemen’s trend in industrial development, pointing out Malaysian appreciation for significant role of pioneer Yemeni emigrants who contributed in spreading Islam and building of Malaysia. He revealed that Malaysians or Yemeni origins are still representing strong link between the two countries and contribute in boosting connection operations and improving mutual ties.

Mahathir Mohammad in Yemen for Mukalla industry conference

MUKALA, Dec. 22 (Saba) – Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammad has arrived in Mukala for a visit during which he will take part in the Conference of “Industry is the Future of Yemen.” The conference is to start later today  in Mukalla city under sponsorship by President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Arriving in the city, Mahathir said the visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Ali Muhammad Mujawar and the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said he will take advantage of the visit to participate in several scientific activities with Yemeni economists and university students as well as holding talks with senior Yemeni officials. At the conference Mahathir will present a summary of his economic experience and he will review the Malaysian experience in management of industrial development and factors of the success of this experience, he said.

Yemen has large investment opportunities, Malaysian official says

SANA’A, Dec. 22 (Saba) – President of the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce Sayed Ali al-Attas said Yemen has large investment opportunities in various sectors. The Yemeni-Malaysian Investment Symposium and the conference on ‘ Industry is the Future of Yemen’ provide Malaysian businessmen with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with these opportunities and to promote contact between the two countries, al-Attas said. “The Yemeni government should promote its economic potentials and investment opportunities abroad to introduce them to foreign investors.” He said. Sectors which would be given priority by Malaysian investors over the next five years include the tourism sector as Yemen enjoys attractive tourist elements; the environment sector as Yemen has four preservations internationally recognized by the UNESCO; and the sectors of technical education and vocational training as well as industry and industrial zones, al-Attas said.

Media reports from Yemen

From Yemen Observer:

President of Yemen HE Ali Abdullah Saleh

Conference to re-vitalize Yemeni industry to begin Monday
By: Faisel Darem, Dec 20, 2008 

The conference on industry, titled “Industry is the future of Yemen” will begin in Hadramout on Monday, said Omar Bajarsh, Chairman of the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The conference will be attended by concerned bodies from the Yemeni government, Gulf companies and representatives from Malaysia, including the guest of honor former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. 

He confirmed that all preparations for the conference have been concluded, in particular the accompanying exhibition of Yemeni products and Malaysian companies specializing in manufacturing. The goal is to display high-quality local products in order to build domestic confidence in Yemeni-made goods, and to increase their international profile. 

Malaysian participation in this conference will be especially important as the country was able to successfully transform itself from a developing agricultural economy like Yemen into an advanced industrial country. 

The goal of the conference is to search for strategic alternatives for the future of the Yemeni economy – particularly in the industrial sector. It will focus on preparing clear strategies for developing this sector as well as promoting industrial zones.

Prime Minister of Yemen Rt Hon. Ali Mujawar

This conference is seeking to promote the slogan” Made in Yemen”, and will be organized by the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Yemeni Businessmen Club. “GSP pays particular attention to industry. This conference will give GSP an opportunity to introduce government guidelines for the revitalization of this sector by reviewing the legislation through new laws, as well as to present a strategy of industrial development and review mechanisms for joint work with private sectors,” Dr. Yahya Mutawakil, Minister of Industry and Trade told the 26 September newspaper that a contract between the Industry and Commerce office in Hadramout and Malaysia will be signed during the conference. 

“Participants from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, in addition to Britain, America and South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and India will participate, totaling between 150 to 200, in addition to 600 participants from Yemen,” stated Badr Ba Salama the General Director of the Industry and Trade of Hadramout. The presence of such a large number of foreign representatives will help to raise Yemen’s profile on the world stage, and ideally attract further foreign investment. 

“The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce will sign an agreement with local authorities in Hadramout to establish a  luxury five-star tourist hotel, as well as another agreement between the Malaysian SERME and a Yemeni company to found a center for the fisheries industry in Mukalla,” added Ba Salama. The government has prepared a busy schedule for the visit of former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Mohammed, who will arrive in Mukalla Sunday. During the conference, Malaysia’s experience in industrial development will be discussed as well as steps Yemen can take to take advantage of it .

Ten interactive sessions will be held during the conference. The meetings focus on the development of Yemeni industry, and trends in industrial development strategy and industrial infrastructure, and small and medium industries, finance and industrial investment. The closing meeting, which will be opened by the government, will display the recommendations of the conference, which will become a guiding document for the development of the industrial sector in Yemen.

Yemeni-Malaysian investment symposium to be organized
Dec 20, 2008

General Investment Authority (GIA) will organize next Saturday a Yemeni-Malaysian Symposium concerning investment in Yemen.  GIA Chairman Salah al-Atar said that about 40 Malaysian companies would take part in the symposium that aims to introduce investment opportunities in Yemen to Malaysian businessmen in various sectors.  Al-Atar pointed out that several papers would be presented during the symposium on the advantages and opportunities for investment in Yemen by GIA, Ministries of Industry and Trade, Public Works and Roads, Fisheries Wealth, Oil and Mineral, Tourism and Agriculture.  A number of ministers, diplomats, Yemeni businessman and concerned bodies will participate in the symposium, he added. 

Industry is Yemen’s Future
By: Faisal Darem, Dec 20, 2008
 
The “Industry … The Future of Yemen” conference will be held in Mukallah Hadhramaut from December 22-23, 2008, said Omar Bajarsh, Chairman of the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This conference is seeking to promote the slogan” Made in Yemen”, and will be organized by the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Yemeni Businessmen Club. He confirmed that all preparations for the conference have been concluded, in particular the accompanying exhibition of Yemeni products and Malaysian companies specialized in manufacturing. Bajarsh said more than 150 businessmen from outside of Yemen have confirmed their participation in the conference.

The conference’s goal is to search for strategic alternatives for the future of the Yemeni economy- particularly in the industrial sector. It will focus on preparing clear strategies for developing this sector as well as promoting industrial zones. Bajarsh said this conference will benefit from the experience of former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad who will be in attendance along with several other well-known Malaysian businessmen. 

Malaysian experience in this field has converted the country from a developing and agricultural economy into an advanced industrial economy, Bajarsh said. He indicated that there were a number of similarities between Yemen and Malaysia before it became an advanced industrial economy. The outcome of the conference may create an industrial strategy, improve existing industrial legislation, and attract the attention of the government and private sector to this vital sector- especially due to its importance in development.

For his part, Minister of Industry and Trade, Yahya al-Mutawakel pointed to the importance of creating confidence in local products, especially in light of trade liberalization and competition. He noted that these are challenges for the industrial sector, and so it must become competitive and gain the confidence of consumers without the need for protection.  

He said that this conference will review many of the problems and obstacles facing the growth of industries, and seek to identify policies and factors for developing this essential sector. The industrial sector formed 5.14 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and accommodated 3 .8 percent of the total labor force by the end of last year, al-Mutawakel said.

From Yemen News Agency (Saba):

Yemen renews call for Malaysian investment
[20 December 2008]
SANA’A, Dec. 20 (Saba)- Prime Minister Ali Mujawar renewed called for Malaysian investments for promoting Yemen’s development. Opening the Yemeni-Malaysian symposium on investments held here on Saturday, Mujawar affirmed that Malaysian investments would get all support, care and facilitations via the one-stop-shop system. Mujawar, who described the Yemeni-Malaysian economic relations as historical, hoped setting joint investments in

Yemen and Malaysia. He noted that this symposium, organized by Yemeni Investment Authority, is a practical step for studying available investments opportunities. A number of Ministers and businessmen and representatives of more than 40 Malaysian companies attended the symposium. The symposium discussed a number of work papers presented by ministry of trade and industry, public works and roads, fishery wealth, oil and minerals, tourism and of agricultural and irrigation as well as by the General Investment Authority (GIA).

Chairman of GIA Salah al-Attar said the symposium would enhance and improve investment relations between Yemen and Malaysia. He considered it as a chance for Malaysian investors to know better environment investments in Yemen in different fields, namely in infrastructure. He indicated the government’s efforts in conditioning investment environment via taking a number of reforms including reviewing related laws, activating trade courts and promoting industrial zones in different governorates. He asserted that the GIA would focus on easing measures to investors.

For their part, Head of Malaysian Chamber Ali al-Attas and Malaysian ambassador in Sana’a Abdulsamad bin Othman affirmed that the symposium is a chance for Malaysian businessmen to acquaint themselves with available investment opportunities in Yemen. They would also know fields they want to invest in. They indicated that the Malaysian Government encourages investments in promising markets including Yemen and creating real trade partnership with Yemen. Then work session between businessmen from the two countries for studying setting up partnership between their two private sectors held.

Establishing Yemeni-Malaysian businessmen council significant: Premier says 
 [20 December 2008]

SANA’A, Dec. 20 (Saba) – Prime Minister Ali Mujawar emphasized on Saturday the significance of establishing a Yemeni-Malaysian businessmen council to coordinate economic efforts between both countries. During his meeting with the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce’s President Ali al-Aattas, Mujawar highlighted the potential means for developing economic and investment partnership between Yemen and Malaysia.

The meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation relations in various services, productivity and investment sectors as well as increasing volume of future trade exchange between the two countries. The recent preparations for the Malaysian cultural festival in Yemen to be held in the 2nd half of 2009 were dealt with during the meeting. Al-Alattas made clear that the festival would be held yearly in both Sana’a and Kuala Lumpur. He talked about the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce’s plan to improve trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Yemeni, Malaysian Commerce Chambers to sign cooperation agreements
[18 December 2008]

SANA’A, Dec. 18 (Saba) – A number of cooperation agreements will be signed by both Yemeni and Malaysian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Industry and Trade Yahya al-Mutawakel told the state-run 26sep.net.  Al-Mutawakel said that on the sidelines of the conference of “Industry is Yemen’s Future”, to be kicked off in Mukalla city of Hadramout governorate next Monday, the government would sign an agreement with a Malaysian company to draw a strategy on the economic development in Yemen.

Al-Mutawakel added that the conference is a significant chance to highlight the government’s trends to activate the vital sector.  Director General of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Badr Ba-Salmah at Hadramout told the website the Hadramout’s local authority would sign with Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry an agreement to establish a five-star hotel in addition to another agreement to establish complex for fishing industries between Yemeni and Malaysian private sectors.

Head of Hadramout’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Omar Ba-Jarsh final arrangements for the conference have been tied up, noting that on the sidelines of the conference several events, meetings and exhibitions would be held with a participation of 45 companies, 19 of which are Malaysian.

More than 600 participants from different from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Britain, United States, South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and India will take part in the conference. It is expected that Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who will participate in the conference, is to arrive in Mukalla city next Sunday. Mohamad will hold several meetings with senior officials of the government and Yemeni businessmen. He will pay a visit to Aden Free Zone and will deliver a lecture in Aden University, according to the website.

PM welcomes Malaysian investments in Yemen
[17 December 2008]

SANA’A, Dec. 17 (Saba)-Prime Minister Ali Mujawar welcomed on Wednesday Malaysian investments in different sectors in Yemen. During his meeting with the Malaysian ambassador to Sana’a Abdul-Samad bin Othman, Mujawar highlighted Yemeni -Malaysian bilateral relations in field of economy and investment, welcoming the Malaysian investments in the country.

He pointed out to the coming seminar on Yemeni-Malaysian investment which will be staged in Sana’a next Saturday as well as significant participation of the Malaysian side in the conference of industries that will be held in Hadramout governorate next Monday. For his part, the Malaysian diplomat affirmed concern of Malaysia to boost its ties and cooperation with Yemen, pointing out to the support of his country for efforts of rebuilding affected areas in Hadramout and al-Maharah governorates, which were hit by flooding last October. He said that the Malaysian government allocated 100,000 dollar to support these efforts. 

Cheb Ali reports from Yemen

As the delegation is on the move from Sanaa to Sayum and then Mukalla, there’s not much to inform until I get more details from them. In the meantime, Cheb Ali has posted photos taken during the trip on his Facebook. Be a member here.  The group are now in Al Mukalla and busy getting ready for the conference/industry dialogue, trade exhibition and gala dinner concert. Visit the blog for more updates later.

IIF2008 organising chairperson Sabariah Abdullah (right) being interviewed by media from Radio Television Malaysia in Sanaa

Cheb Ali poses in front of the specially chartered plane that will take them from Sanaa to Sayum

Conference coordinator Bro Shah Kirit (right) speaking with Yemeni officials aboard the chartered flight to Sayum

Panoramic view of Al Mukalla from the Hotel room.

In comparison, the breathtaking view of Al Mukalla at night

The Malaysian delegation made time to visit the Hadramout Chamber of Commerce

A signboard that shows where the IIF2008 conference and trade exhibition will be held from 22 to 24 Dec 2008

Saba Islamic Media Executive Director Bro Abu Bakar (left) stands with Cheb Ali in front of Saba Islamic Bank in Yemen. Though unrelated, the Saba brand name is familiar to Yemenis

IIF2008 Takes off for Yemen, first stop Sana’a

 The IIF2008 delegation safely set off for Yemen on Thursday evening from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport as the group boarded Yemen Airways in anticipation of an eventful visit. The entourage will be making pre-conference business calls at the administrative capital of Sana’a before heading for the coastal cities of Sayum and Al-Mukalla where the IIF2008, that has been merged with the “Industry-Yemen’s Future” Conference & Exhibition, will take place. The President of Yemen HE Mr Ali Abdullah Salleh is scheduled to officiate the Yemeni Industries Conference organised by the Yemeni Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mukalla. Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been invited as the Guest of Honour while Yemeni Prime Minister,  Dr. Ali Mohammed Mujawar, will chair a discussion on Yemen ’s industrial plan. There will be a trade exhibition to promote Malaysian/Islamic products and services.

The International Islamic Fair (IIF) a 3-in-1 annual event comprising the three sub-events: the IIF Trade Exhibition, the IIF International Conference and the IIF Gala Dinner Concert (Sounds of Islam). IIF provides a platform for intellectual discourse, business networking and social/cultural interaction in a time of crisis in the Muslim world and in humanity. With the motto “Islamic Products & Services for ALL”, the IIF is recognised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as a Kuala Lumpur-based international event that will be held in snother Muslim country every alternate year. Saba Islamic Media Sdn Bhd is the IIF Brand Organiser and the IIF2008 Trade Exhibition features 25 categories of products and services that are either ‘distinctly Islamic’ in character (Type A) or ‘normal’ but non-haram (Type B). The IIF2008 International Conference themed “Serving the Ummah & Saving Humanity”, is organised into four sessions: Update on the Ummah; Business, Economy & Finance; Human Relations, Media & Global Peace; Community, Arts & Education. The “Sounds of Islam” International Gala Dinner & Nasheed Concert will feature a Yemeni cultural performance.

 All photos: Yemeni Airways, Sanaa International Airport and Riyan Mukalla Airport from www.virtualtourist.com on Yemen.

URGENT: IIF2008 Moved to Yemen!

Dear Friends of IIF,

Assalamu’alaikum.

I have some unwelcome news that has come at this late stage in our preparations. Although this is definitely NOT what we had planned, I’m afraid there has been a “situation” that is beyond our control. We are currently left with no other option but to move the whole event from UAE to Yemen , where there is a planned Malaysian-Yemeni  Exhibition/Conference (“Industry – Yemen ’s Future” Conf.&Exhib.) which involves other Malaysian and Arab exhibitors. In fact, former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is also scheduled to deliver his talk during the event. In order not to miss out on the B2B networking in Dubai , we will still take the trip from Yemen to Dubai on the 25th December, specifically for the Business Matching.

The new IIF2008 will be in Al-Mukalla, Yemen and the date of the entire event will move forward one day to the new date: 22nd to 24th December (23rd to 25th December, originally). We regret this unfortunate turn of events but STILL count on your support for the noble aims of the IIF and look forward to your participation. I extend my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.  “We plan & God plans…. and God’s plan is the best of plans!”.

Sabariah Abdullah

IIF2008 Chairperson

“So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard, And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention” (Quran 94: 5-8)

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FAIR 2008
in collaboration with
“INDUSTRY – YEMEN’S FUTURE” CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2008

IIF2008 motto:  Islamic Products & Services for ALL
Conference theme:  Serving the Ummah & Saving Humanity / “Industry – Yemen’s Future” Conf. & Exhib. 2008 slogan: Made in Yemen
Patronage: President of the Rep. of Yemen, His Excellency Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh
Conference Keynote: by the Prime Minister of the Rep. of Yemen, Dr. Ali Mohd. Mujawar
Special Guest of Honour: Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
- 4 Sessions, each led by a Session Moderator
- 3 Papers per Session except for Session 2 (7 papers) / 20 min per Paper
- A special Session 2 (Business, Economy & Finance) – extended & concluded with Tun Dr. Mahathir’s presentation, followed by an Open Discussion, chaired by Dr. Ali Mohd. Mujawar
- Conference Summary & Resolutions

Day 1 (Monday 22nd Dec 2008):

• Opening Ceremony
• Trade Exhibition (open to Businesses only / in-Booth Business Matching)
• Conference Session 1: Update on the Ummah
• Conference Session 2 (Part I): Business, Economy & Finance

Day 2 (Tuesday 23rd Dec 2008):

• Trade Exhibition (open to public)
• Conference Session 2 (Part II): Business, Economy & Finance
• Open Disc./Recomm. with Dr. Ali Mohd. Mujawar (PM) & Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
• Conference Session 3: Human Relations, Media & Global Peace
• Conference Session 4: Community, Arts & Education
• Resolutions
• Closing

Day 3 (Wednesday 24th Dec 2008):

• Trade Exhibition (open to public)
• “Sounds of Islam” International Gala Dinner & Nasheed Concert

For details please contact:

Mdm Sabariah Abdullah sabariah@saba.com.my

Ms Juhaida juhaida@saba.com.my (hp: 0192660995)

Ms RosmalinaJuhaida rosmalina@saba.com.my (hp: 0192240995)

Mr Shah Kirit shah@saba.com.my

Ms Hanizah hanizah@saba.com.my

Uncommon Advocate – Dr Parvez Ahmad

“War on terror or war on Islam?” is an ominous topic that is not only a question that awaits an answer, it is also a harsh statement on the current realities affecting the ummah that seeks  resolution. The International Islamic Fair 2008 brings Dr. Parvez Ahmed, an Associate Professor at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, to speak on this topic and to shed some light on the issue. Dr. Ahmed served as the Chairman of the Board for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) from 2005-2008 and also served as the Chairman for the Florida chapter of CAIR from 2002-2005. An outspoken champion against injustices wrought by the global war against terrorism, Dr Parvez writes:

“The tactic of terrorism—and yes it is a tactic, not an ideology—has been deployed by a multitude of groups of different religions, ethnicities and ideologies and yet the Islamic faith, unlike any other, is erroneously and incessantly associated with terrorism. The association of a faith practiced by 1.2 billion people worldwide to terrorism creates the perception that the GWOT is a war against Islam.”

Dr. Parvez is an active researcher whose articles have been published in leading finance journals such as The Journal of Banking and Finance, Financial Management, Journal of Portfolio Management etc. He recently authored a book on Mutual Funds titled Mutual Funds – Fifty Years of Academic Research. In an interview published in Inside UNF campus newsletter, Dr Parvez listed his passion, besides academic research, as writing opinion editorials about Islam and the American Muslim experience. His articles have been published in several leading newspapers around the country such as the Orlando Sentinel, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Sun Tribune, Houston Chronicle, New York Newsday, Seattle Times, Charlotte Observer, and Tampa Tribune. You can read many of his thoughts on his blog www.drparvezahmad.blogspot.com.

He currently serves on the Board of OneJax, formerly the National Conference on Community and Justice (NCCJ). From 2005-08, Dr. Ahmed served as the Chairman of the Board for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). From 2002-2005, he also served as the Chairman for the Florida chapter of CAIR. In 2006-2007 Dr. Ahmed served as an at-large board member for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Florida.

In the Inside UNF interview, Dr Parvez was asked:

If you could choose any other career, what would it be and why?
I like what I do. I have never contemplated having another career. But if I were forced to choose then I would perhaps like to be a human rights lawyer or advocate. I am passionate about universal human rights. I find the advocacy of those rights intellectually quite challenging, as it requires addressing prejudices and stereotypes in creative ways.

When it comes to issues affecting the Muslim ummah, Dr Pavez Ahmad is indeed an uncommon advocate. He can be contacted via email – drparvezahmed@gmail.com

Exhibitors Excited and Eager for IIF2008 – Dubai here we come!!

The Exhibitors Briefing held at the Malaysia Tourist Centre yesterday went smoothly with an encouraging turnout of more than 100 participants. The session began with an introduction by IIF organizing chairperson Madam Sabariah Abdullah who briefed on what trade exhibitors could expect and the assistance that would be provided by organisers. Fional Abdullah, representing Director Wan Abdul Salam, from the official travel agents Twin Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd (website here) was also on hand with flight and travel details. while freight forwarders Captain (R) Hisham Hashim briefed audience on specifications for transporting exhibition materilas and equipments to the destination. The Q&A session was lively as participants were a mix of first time participants  still new to the Middle Eastern market as well as seasoned exhibitors with business experience in the region. Mr Shah Kirit also took time to brief the audience on the Exhibitors Guidebook and the deadlines for submission of exhibitor specifications as well as the parallel programmes that include the conference and the “Sounds of Islam” gala dinner with former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad scheduled to deliver the closing keynote address. Media representatives from Bernama TV, RTM, Kosmo and other media organisations were also on hand to interview organisers and participants. At the end of the event, everyone was energized and eager to get ready for serious business in Dubai.

IIF organizing chairperson Madam Sabariah Abdullah welcoming participants and giving a glimpse of what awaits trade exhibitors in Dubai

Mr Shah Kirit, IIF2008 Conference Consultant, speaking on the conference themed “Serving and Saving Humanity” as well as the gala dinner featuring the “Sounds of Islam” concert of nasheed stars.

Madam Sabariah (extreme right) Ms Fiona Abdullah (centre), partner Twin Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, and Hisham Hashim  Managing Director ANC Global (M) Sdn Bhd.

Participants listening in rapt attention to the briefings.

Good turnout for the exibitors briefing.

During the Q&A there were many questions raised by exhibitors who needed to get preparations finalised as they get ready for the trip to Dubai.

The media turned up in force, including interviews with Radio Television Malaysia morning talk show “Selamat Pagi Malaysia” or the “Good Morning Malaysia” programme.

Time for refreshments after a busy and very informative session.

Exhibitors briefing on 3 Dec 2008 at MaTiC for Malaysian Companies participating in IIF2008

There will be an exhibitors briefing on Wednesday 3rd December 2008 for Malaysian companies participating in the International Islamic Fair 2008  to be held n Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre, The exhibitors briefing will be held from 2pm to 5.30pm at the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTiC) mini-auditorium in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Please contact Ms Rosmalina Abdullah (Hp: 019-2240495, Email: rosmalina@saba.com.my), or Ms Juhaida Mohd Zaib (Hp:019-2660995, Email: juhaida@saba.com.my) for further information. Registration forms can be downloaded from the website www.iif4ummah.com See you there!

Time     : 2.00 – 5.00pm
Date     : 3rd Dec 2008,
Venue   : Mini Auditorium, MaTiC

109, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03- 9235 4848 / 9235 4800
Fax : 03- 2162 1149

What does Michael Collins Piper and Tun M have in common? IIF!

While one man is the former Prime Minister of Malaysia and the other is a journalist, both are prolific writers and key opinion leaders. And both Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, fondly referred to as Tun M, and  Michael Collins Piper will be guests of the International Islamic Fair for the second time. The first time these two men met, they were both invited speakers at the International Islamic Fair 2006 held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. When he visited Malaysia in 2006, Collins had a special meeting with Tun M and wrote about it in the American Free Press. The report ”AFP correspondent, author honored in Kuala Lumpur“ is posted on his website The Piper Report. He writes about this meeting:

Although the Western media defames Dr. Mahathir because he dares to criticize Zionism, he is a beloved figure in his own land, which he did so much to build into the powerhouse it is today. He is also an icon throughout Asia and throughout what is known as “The Third World.”

All told, the visit to Malaysia was a fantastic experience for all of us and, I am confident, has opened up more eyes to the reality of what’s happening to all good people in the world today. We do have a common enemy — our traditional enemy — against whom we have to unite. It’s that simple.

Be sure to be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for IIF2008 to be held from 23 to 25 December where these two great minds of the 21st century will meet again to inspire and awaken us to what is really happening in the world today. Michael Collins Piper will speak on the “State of Democracy in the USA and GB Post-9/11″ in session 3: “Human Relations, Media & Global Peace” of the conference while Tun Dr Mahathir will deliver the closing keynote address at the “Sounds of Islam” Gala Dinner Concert at the end of the three-day event. Don’t miss it!!!