Establishing Well Functioning National Trade Facilitation Bodies (NTFBs)
In the OIC Member States
92
4.3.2. Case study from the Asian group: Malaysia
4.3.2.1. Introduction
Malaysia has always been business-friendly and willing to improve its ranking in business and
international trade, encouraging direct foreign investment and facilitating business.120
Malaysia has had remarkable results in the area of open markets compared to global averages. The
business environment encourages the development of a vibrant private sector.
The name of the National Trade Facilitation Mechanism in Malaysia is the Focus Group on Trading
Across Borders (FGTAB) of the PEMUDAH. This study highlights the role of PEMUDAH and FGTAB and
will explain how these bodies have contributed to Malaysia’s recent economic results.
On February 7th, 2007, the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business or PEMUDAH was established.
PEMUDAH is a public-private partnership with a team comprising twenty-two highly respected
individuals from both sectors, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
It is co-chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia representing the public sector,
and the President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) representing the private
sector.121
The mandate of PEMUDAH is to achieve a globally benchmarked, customer-centric, innovative, and
proactive public service in support of a vibrant, resilient and competitive economy and society,
driven by the following values:122
120 Ms. Bahria Bt. Mohd Tamil, Bumiputera Business Development Department of MITI and Former PEMUDAH Secretariat Director
(2007-2013)
121 Ms. Bahria Bt. Mohd Tamil, op. cit.
The NTTFC’s main tasks are:
 The creation of an appropriate platform for dialogue.
 Coordination between all stakeholders involved in international transport and trade.
 Reinforcement of cooperation and partnership between the government and the
private sector in the field of transport and trade development.
 Enhance communication with neighbouring countries for coordinating and following
up on efforts aimed at improving the smooth trans-border flow and influx of goods.
 This interaction improves logistic services and increases efficiency; particularly as
this will lead to overcoming all obstacles facing this sector in order to create a
competitive environment at the sectorial level.
 All necessary WTO activities are included in Technical Trade Facilitation Committee
reports through the General Secretariat. Once the Technical Committee adopts a
decision, it is taken before the National Committee. The Ministry of Trade is
represented in both committees.