European companies see ASEAN as a promising market

As the automotive market in the ASEAN market continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for firms to connect with companies and customers. Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s leading regional trade fair for the automotive industry targeting trade visitors from ASEAN, is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors when it is held on March 19–21 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In addition to offering a leading insight into the ASEAN automotive market and industry, the show is expanding its European influence as well. Now in its second year with a European pavilion, the fair expects to see a 73 percent increase in European exhibition space, and with more European countries participating than ever before including new countries like Bulgaria and Poland. Even more countries are expected to sign up for the show in the coming months.

The European pavilion follows on from the growth seen in the Malaysian market in recent years. Whilst Europe is now gradually recovering from the financial crisis, the Malaysian market continues to attract companies worldwide due to its stable and secure business environment. And with a high level of car ownership in Malaysia – 341 cars per 1,000 people – there is strong aftermarket potential for auto components and accessories firms.

Automechanika Kuala Lumpur is part of the growing trade platform for companies looking to access not only Malaysian but also ASEAN markets, with the European Union (EU)-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI) launching the fourth EU co-funded project to support EU Small and Medium Enterprises and even further improve access to the region. Trade barriers have been removed over recent years, and now ASEAN nations are also exporting to the EU in record numbers. Agreements such as the Malaysia-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (MTFTA), signed in April this year, are further boosting cooperation – the Turkish Uludag Exporters’ Association (UIB) will join Automechanika Kuala Lumpur for the first time in 2015.

According to some estimates, ASEAN exports to the EU would have increased by more than 18.5 percent – this will represent a two percent boost to ASEAN’s GDP by 2020, with a two percent growth also predicted for EU exports to the region.  
 
ASEAN is a promising market for European companies
The new exhibitors who will exhibit at the European pavilion are also optimistic about the market and show. One of them is Bulgarian company Balev EOOD, a leading supplier of car air fresheners in EU, Russia, Ukraine, as well as having good market positions in other 42 countries worldwide. Rumen Myankov, Area Sales Manager Asia Pacific says: “After hearing positive feedback about Malaysia’s business environment, such as its tax-free policy and multi-ethnic society, we want to explore the ASEAN market by using Automechanika Kuala Lumpur as a platform to find distributors for car air fresheners in Malaysia.”
Poland’s Troton Sp, a manufacturer of top quality automotive refinish products, is now ready to expand beyond its borders for the first time. Mrs Katarzyna Najda-Bartczak, Coordinator of Foreign Markets Development, comments: “As Automechanika is a global brand show with high quality and influence, we believe we will have fruitful experience by finding more business partners as well as connecting with existing customers in the region at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur.”

Looking to build on the strong ties and business links is Italian company Fra-Ber Srl, which specialises in car care products, and previously exhibited at Automechanika Shanghai. “We export 60 percent of our production and we want to expand our business by increasing the export percentage through the broadening of our distribution network, especially in the ASEAN countries.” says Mr Gabriele Berton, Commercial Director.
 
The 2015 show marks the ninth edition of the 7,500 square metre show covering four halls for the first time, organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). It is also supported by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI).