The Association of Malay Entrepreneurs (Kesuma) will be organizing a Business Mission to China from 13 Jan 2009 to 17 Jan 2009. Supported by International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) the mission will be led by its President Mr. Ibrahim Ariff, participants will be visiting Guangzhou and Yiwu.

Guangzhou is the economic centre of Pearl River Delta and heart of one of mainland China's leading commercial and manufacturing region. In 2006, its GDP exceeded USD76.8 billion, per capita was USD11, 000 and rank first among the other 659 Chinese cities.

Yiwu is famous in China as a commodities center, with a sizeable Muslim, both local and foreign. It had been named as the banner of China's market economy and with a large variety of quality but cheaper commodities. In 2007, its GDP has increased 15% from 2006 and per capita GDP reached US$7,778.

For this business mission, delegates will have a firsthand view of the economic situation apart from updating themselves on the business cultures by the relevant provincial trade officers. KESUMA will also arrange meetings with relevant business groups in these two cities.

Apart from the usual business meetings and briefings, the primary objective of this mission is for participants to explore and source for new products. This will provides them with an idea and the kind of products that will suit their business best or probably looking for ideas or new products to expand their business profile and scope.

While in Guangzhou, participants will spend some time in visiting several wholesale markets that provides merchandise like toys, stationery, leather goods, garments, electronic items and many more. These wholesale markets are frequently visit by buyers and traders from across the globe.

In Yiwu, participants will be brought to China Commodity City; also known as the world's largest wholesale market. With a business area of 2.6 million square meters, it contains about 50,000 showrooms providing business visitors and traders with 'anything under the sun' merchandises. In fact, traders around the world flock to this market daily to source for products for their businesses.

With the current financial turmoil, there is a need for our business community to explore new ground and get direct source of supply or even look at other possibilities and opportunities. The beauty about these wholesale centers is that traders are not obligated to buy in containers and range of goods is diverse. This will definitely benefits start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs in their business plan without the needs for large investments. These centers also housed logistic companies that provide inland and overseas deliveries to ease their delivery needs.

Throughout the trip, Kesuma will arrange for English speaking guides and will assist those in need of interpreters for their sourcing, due to the language gap.

The mission is open to all level of entrepreneurs, non-members and the general business community. For those without a company yet, Kesuma, together with its mission consultant, will assist them in providing the necessary assistance in qualifying for this trip.

We hereby would like to invite our entrepreneurs to join us in this business mission and not to miss this opportunity in exploring beyond the local shores; even for those aspiring ones. This is also an opportunity for seasonal traders to source for products for the coming festive season direct from manufacturers.

Cost per pax on twin share is $1,900 while single room cost $2,100. This includes return economy fare, land transport, accommodation, meeting arrangements and selected halal meals. Subject to request, we might even extend our stay for another day or two due to the size of these centers.

For enquiries and reservation, kindly contact Mdm Milah at 67453050 or Ms Fasya at 98702723 or email info@bangkit.org. / admin@kesuma.org.sg