PUTRAJAYA: The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (KUSKOP) has targeted RM100 million in potential investments from Malaysia’s participation in the BIBAN24 International Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated this target highlights KUSKOP’s dedication to enhancing strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, particularly within the franchise and small and medium enterprises (SME) sectors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the BIBAN24 exhibition, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center (RFECC), is a global entrepreneurship hub, with the Malaysia Pavilion anticipated to capture the attention of industry players. The business matching programs and negotiation sessions are poised to provide Malaysian companies with new avenues to penetrate Middle Eastern markets.
Leading a delegation to the five-day BIBAN24 event, which concludes on Saturday, Ewon engaged in high-profile discussions, including a meeting with Kudu Company for Food and
Catering, a major food franchise in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that these discussions could lead to enhanced business cooperation in the food and service sectors, facilitating Malaysian brands’ entry into the market.
Ewon also conducted bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Trade Minister Dr Eman Habbas Al-Mutairi to bolster trade and investment relations. The discussions focused on achieving synergy in entrepreneurship and industrial development. On Tuesday, Ewon inaugurated the Malaysia Pavilion, showcasing the innovation and capabilities of Malaysian entrepreneurs.
Additionally, he chaired a roundtable discussion with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, bringing together entrepreneurs and investors from both countries. Ewon noted that the session is expected to ignite new business collaborations. He also met with representatives from Tamimi Markets, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest retail chains, which could potentially allow Malaysian companies to expand their product range and services in t
he region.