KUANTAN: The newly-established German Business Council (GBC), for German businesses across Pahang, will serve as a platform for information exchange and networking among industry players here.
German Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Peter Blomeyer said Pahang became the fourth state in the country after Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor to set up the GBC which would serve as a forum for its members to exchange ideas and share experiences.
"The presence of GBC in Pahang will allow the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) to hold meetings with companies to provide first-hand information and a deep understanding on several matters including the Covid-19 pandemic, economy, insight into the market and politics. German companies can come forward to seek assistance on matters involving taxes and licences.
"German companies in Pahang will benefit as the GBC will serve as a point of communication for them to express views, plan expansions, share information with potential German investors to Pahang and maybe go on to hold activities including economic forums or talks with experts," he told reporters here today in conjunction with his visit to Pahang.
Blomeyer said the GBC in Pahang consists of various companies including BASF (German chemical company) and Mercedes-Benz (in Pekan) along with other medium and small businesses including restaurant owners.
"We currently have about 20 participants and this is expected to become more established soon. When we started in Johor five years ago, there were only a few companies under the GBC but it has now grown to about 40 members.
"The members in Pahang are now part of a chat room and once a suitable location has been identified, a physical meeting will be held to carry out proposed activities which will involve the German Embassy and MGCC," he said, adding the launch of the GBC last week will benefit Pahang along with other east coast states.
On education, Blomeyer said Germany's dual vocational system has allowed higher learning institutions to establish close connection with selected companies.
"In Pahang, Universiti Malaysia Pahang is aware of this necessity which has benefited both students and industries. Maybe with some networking among the interested companies, this curriculum could be expanded to schools as it will allow students to be equipped with technical skills and knowledge," he said.