KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia-Indonesia Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) travel bubble will encourage collaborations between Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (Afeca) countries in order to capitalise on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) initiatives.
Afeca president Datuk Vincent Lim said the move also signals abundant possibilities for the business events (BE) trade and business activities ahead.
“This initiative is timely as BE industry sectors prepare for the recovery plan led by the Tourism and Culture Ministry,” he said in a statement.
Lim noted that BE is an important economic sector under purview of the ministry, and Afeca looks forward to a positive outcome for the revival of BE as it welcomes business travellers to Malaysia, albeit subject to strict health protocols and standard operating procedures to be formulated by relevant authorities.
He added that at this juncture a step-by-step approach is vital, and it begins by receiving business travellers first, who will be monitored and supported by relevant bodies.
All BE industry stakeholders are more than willing to share feedback and fully comply with the Malaysian government’s directives, as the safety and well-being of all comes first.
In 2019, a total of 1,025 BE were organised and attracted over 540,000 international business travellers to Malaysia for the purpose of attending meetings, conventions and exhibitions.
The BE (or meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, better known as MICE) sector plays a huge role in regenerating entire economies.
“With these plans and commitment from the government, we are looking forward to the recovery and rebuilding of the BE industry in the country very soon,” Lim added.
Afeca is the only international umbrella association in Asia and serves 37 national MICE associations, including Malaysia. – Bernama, February 9, 2021
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