On 23 Feb, AMCHAM held a special, closed-door briefing session with Hans Vriens, Founder and Managing Partner of Vriens & Partners on the impact of ongoing geopolitics towards businesses, particularly the ones operating in the Southeast Asia region.
Hans shared his perspectives on the current U.S.-China trade tensions, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Members who attended the session had the opportunity to also discuss impacts of these geopolitics to businesses around the world.
Special thanks to Hans Vriens for making the time to meet our members. We look forward to having you and your team back again in the near future!
Hong Kong SAR, China, February 22, 2023— FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is using its network to bring international humanitarian relief to those affected by the earthquakes that have devastated Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. So far, the company has committed more than US $1,000,000 worth of in-kind shipping toward relief efforts. This includes the delivery of approximately 230 metric tonnes of critical aid from the Dubai World Central Airport, where the new FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa hub will be located, to Istanbul via five FedEx MD-11 flights from February 17 to 21. These charters delivered relief supplies including tents, blankets, baby items, household supplies and hygiene kits from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
“Our hearts go out to those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria,” said Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, FedEx Express. “During times of need, we are committed to using the unique capabilities of our network to deliver humanitarian aid to communities safely and promptly. We see this as our responsibility and hope that the support we provide will contribute to the recovery and rebuilding of communities and bring relief to those whose lives have been affected.”
To date, FedEx has also been able to help other non-profit organizations and governments respond during this crisis by utilizing its global network and logistics expertise.
- FedEx donated $100k on February 8 to the Red Cross to aid recovery efforts in Turkey and Syrian communities. The donation will provide support and aid, such as distributing essentials like first aid, food, water, and blankets; setting up temporary shelters; and providing psychological support and medical aid.
- On February 8, FedEx delivered critical humanitarian supplies from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Malataya, Turkey on behalf of the Istanbul Governorship and local municipality, including food supplies from Umursan Un Ltd. and clothing donated by local residents.
- During the week of February 13, FedEx provided shipping support for Canadian disaster-relief organization GlobalMedic, including the delivery of AquaResponse3 Water Purification Units to feeding centers in the impacted area of Turkey.
- FedEx worked with U.S.-based World Central Kitchen to ship aid from Madrid, Spain to Adana, Turkey. The flights included a deployable kitchen unit, kitchen supplies, and operations kits.
FedEx continues to provide relief to regions impacted by natural disasters. FedEx relief moved for IFRC, GlobalMedic, and World Central Kitchen was a part of the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which FedEx lends its global network and unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with mission-critical needs and helps communities before, during and after crises.
On February 16, AMCHAM was delighted to host a breakfast roundtable with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative (USTR) and her team with our members, representing different sectors.
This visit is part of Her Asia tour and during the roundtable, AMCHAM members had the opportunity to hear directly from Ambassador Tai on USTR’s focuses, especially for the Pillar One of Trade under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which Malaysia is one of the partners. During the discussion, members were able to obtain better understanding on how IPEF can be a platform to expand their businesses further, and to have better clarity on some concerns and impacts of IPEF.
The event was also attended by Ambassador Brian McFeeters, the U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia and other officials from the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia.
Special thanks to Ambassador Tai for making the time for the fruitful session and AMCHAM hopes that this will be the first of many engagements that will build on the strong strategic trade relationship Malaysia enjoys with the United States.
On Thursday, February 16, AMCHAM hosted a special briefing session with Executive Assistant Commissioner, Ms. AnnMarie R. Highsmith from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). The delegation was also joined by Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs from Department of Labor (DOL), and Cardell Morant, Director of the Department of Homeland Security (DoHS).
Members were briefed on the latest information on CPB actions to stem forced labor incidents in Malaysia as well as various unfair practices involving labor. Members had the opportunity to seek clarifications on the processes as well as key areas to be aware of when exporting goods or products into the U.S.
Special thanks to AnnMarie, Thea, and Cardell, as well as the members of the US CBP, DOL, and DoHS for taking the time to meet with our members today!
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of corporate social responsibility (“CSR“) and a global shift towards sustainable market practices– especially in light of the various climate emergencies that necessitate immediate global response. The recent pandemic has, nonetheless, hampered efforts to attain certain global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs“)[1], with funding gaps for financing sustainable development are expected to increase exponentially[2]. It is no longer sufficient for such sustainability agendas to merely become part of national policies that rely on public financing. Greater support and commitment from private investments are required for the viable implementation of such agendas[3]. Hence, we witness the emergence of practices like Sustainable and Responsible Investment (“SRI“)– essentially encompassing any investment decision that embraces Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG“) considerations on top of economic returns[4].
AMCHAM and our partners/members are supporting Doctors Without Borders to bring the much-needed assistance to the victims of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and other crises
People need shelter, food, blankets, clothes, heating materials, hygiene kits, and medical assistance. AMCHAM is stepping up now and mobilizing our partners/members to support MSF’s response to the Turkey-Syria emergency and other crises around the world.
Please note that there is no tax-exempt receipt in Malaysia as funds are channeled through Doctors Without Borders Hong Kong. Receipts will be issued by Doctors Without Borders Hong Kong upon request. For Hong Kong residents, donations of HK$100 or above are tax deductible.
