Seventh World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention Welcoming Address by Tan Sri Dato' Lim Guan Teik, Chairman of 7th WCEC Organising Committee cum President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)

YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Organising Committee of the 7th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, I extend a very warm welcome to all our friends gathered here today, as a huge assembly of entrepreneurs and distinguished personalities from more than 20 nations and regions of the world, representing nearly 100 major organisations, to attend the 7th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (7th WCEC in short). I am happy to note that 3,200 delegates registered for this Convention, which by far is the second largest gathering of participants for the biennial event. It is second only to the 6th WCEC held in Nanjing, China, in September 2001, which was attended by an unprecedented number of nearly 5,000 delegates.

Despite the SARS episode, the overwhelming response from entrepreneurs the world over to attend this Convention is indeed very heartening to us as the organisers. For the past few months, the Organising Committee, the various working committees and the Convention secretariat have made intensive efforts in finalising the preparations, and assured everyone concerned that the Convention would be held as planned. Against all odds and uncertainties, the Convention is successfully staged today, and we have to turn down, with apologies, may latecomers owing to limitations of this convention venue.

We are very thankful indeed to both the Malaysian government and the private sector, for giving us very strong support and the much needed assistance. We are particularly honoured and grateful to the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr. Mahanthir for very kindly agreeing to grace this historical occasion and to officiate the opening of this Convention, and to deliver keynote address. Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir has been our Prime Minister for 22 years now, and as you all know, he has announced that he would like to retire in a couple of months. The people of Malaysia are very fortunate to have Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir as our Prime Minister. He has bought tremendous changes and progress to the country. On behalf of the ACCCIM, may I wish to record our profound gratitude and appreciation to Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir for having provided outstanding leadership and shaped a nation of peace and prosperity that we Malaysians are very proud of. We are indeed very privileged to announce that Dato Seri has kindly consented to having a dialogue with the Convention delegates this morning. On behalf of all the participants here, thank you Dato Seri, and I am sure all of us are looking forward to the dialogue session.

This Convention is being held during a time when many countries are facing challenges which they have never faced before. The world was never the same after September 11th and for us in Asia, the SARS outbreak was something that we hope would never happen again. Although the fatality rate is low, the livelihood of millions of people were directly or indirectly affected by the outbreak, and this serves to remind us that we have to work together as an international community. It had a profound effect on individuals, families and businesses all over the world, and some of our businesses are still recovering from the aftermath of the outbreak. Unlike other problems or conflicts, diseases do not recognise boundaries, and had we, as nations, not worked together, the epidemic would not have been contained so effectively, and the casualties would have been much higher.

The accession of China into WTO coupled with its consistently high rate of economic growth, offers vast opportunities to entrepreneurs who are well-versed with the system in China and its market. The Convention is therefore an excellent platform for business leaders from various nations and regions to interact and exchange ideas. The ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs of today could contribute much more to global economic growth given their worldwide connections and widespread presence. In today's globalised environment, the ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs can no longer isolate themselves only within their community. In fact, enterprises of ethnic Chinese origin have become an integral part of the national economy of the country or region where they belong. The ethnic Chinese, particularly in Malaysia and South East Asia, have for generations, participated in the development and progress of their country of adoption. They have contributed immensely in the economic, political and social development in their respective countries. Looking from this perspective, increased business collaboration among the Chinese entrepreneurs internationally, is instrumental in fostering global linkages in trade and investment for the economic benefit and prosperity of all nations and nationalities. The main theme of this Convention: "Unity and Integrity ¨C For Global Growth and Prosperity" serves to underline the importance of this objective.

Malaysia is very privileged and honoured to be able to host this Convention within 12 years of its inauguration, and this is a rare opportunity indeed. I am aware that with the Convention fast gaining in popularity, the waiting period to host the event has lengthened considerably. In view of the significance of WCEC, it is our hope that the participants will see for themselves the vast opportunities available in Malaysia as an ideal destination for investments and business start-ups, especially as a gateway to the new AFTA market and the opportunities available in the Multimedia Super Corridor in Malaysia. It is also the fervent hope of this Convention to encourage the Malaysian Chinese business community to form closer cooperation and strengthen business networking with their counterparts irrespective of race, so as to generate greater contributions to national economic development and bring about overall social progess. Besides that, I hope all our overseas participants will take the opportunity to experience the rich culture and beauty of our country. We would very much like to welcome you to have your future holidays in Malaysia, where you will experience hospitality that is unique only to this country. Malaysia is truly Asia.

Once again I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all my colleagues, who have worked tirelessly throughout this period, all the sponsors, government and private sector organisations, the mass media, distinguished guests and delegates, and everyone who has helped in one way or another to make this Convention a success. To all foreign participants, I wish all of you a happy and fruitful visit to Malaysia. Should there be any shortcomings in our reception or other arrangements, I seek your kind understanding and indulgence. Thank you.