KUALA LUMPUR: The EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI) has appointed Sven Schneider as its new CEO, effective March 30, 2020.

According to a statement by the EUMCCI, Schneider was most recently the director of trade and investment and strategic planning in Invest Selangor Bhd.
It added that over the last 12 years of his career, Schneider has played a significant role in bridging the gap between Malaysia and the EU by promoting Selangor as a key investment destination in Asean.

“Sven offers an excellent range of skills and knowledge as well as an extensive network to take on his new role.
"In recognition of EUMCCI’s mission to promote, support and develop EU business interests in Malaysia and strengthening bilateral relations, the board has given Sven the mandate to reignite the conversation on the EU - Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)," said EUMCCI chairman Oliver Roche.

Moving forward in 2020, the EUMCCI aims to enhance its collaboration with the Malaysian government to further grow European investments and bilateral trade.

“We plan to announce strategic partnerships and some exciting initiatives early in my tenure to position the chamber as a leading platform for investment and trade facilitation into Malaysia and the Asean region,” said Schneider.

The EUMCCI represents 27 EU member countries together with the respective bilateral chambers, offering access into a market worth US$18.8 trillion or 22% of the global economy.

EU companies invested RM3.1bil in Malaysia from January to September 2019 and remain a key trading partner for the country, by contributing 9.2% of Malaysia’s total trade until September 2019, it said.

Sourced by The Star