MASSA - Malaysia South-South Association
Bridging the South-South

ORIGINS

The Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) whose members are from the Malaysian business sectors, aims to promote trade and investment with South-South countries. It was formed after Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad initiated the idea for the formation of the Association following his visit to Chile, Brazil and Argentina with the Malaysian business community in 1991.

The idea for MASSA's existence evolved from the fact that Malaysia's export-driven economic growth should not be overly-dependent on its traditional markets of the United States, Japan and Europe.

Malaysian industries and manufacturers should instead explore the relatively untapped potential of the South which could offer vast opportunities for trade and investment. In order to achieve this, the Malaysian Government under its concept of "Malaysia Incorporated" has been very supportive of the initiatives of the Association in enabling its members to avail the opportunities for trade and investment in South-South countries.

MISSION

MASSA aims to promote bilateral trade and investment ties with South-South countries, by serving as a platform and link between the Malaysian business community and South countries. More specifically, its role is:

• To promote and enhance members' knowledge and understanding on economic, trade and investment policies and conditions of South-South countries.
• To act as an informal liaison body between the private sector and the government pertaining to economic matters in the promotion of trade and investment.
• To provide a forum for the dissemination of ideas, discussions and dialogues in relation to trade, economy and culture.
• To enhance trade and investment relations and to foster friendship and cooperation among the members.

ACTIVITIES/MODE OF OPERATIONS

• Business forums/dialogue sessions between MASSA members and visiting South-South Heads of State and their business delegations.
• Fact-finding, trade and investment missions to South-South countries.
• Participate in fact-finding, trade and investment missions as well as appropriate trade and investment exhibitions.
• Maintain a library of economic information on trade and investment opportunities in South-South countries.