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Kumpulan Fima Berhad
(11817-V)
30
CHAIRMAN’S
STATEMENT
OUTLOOK
Bank Negara Malaysia expects Malaysia
to register gross domestic product
between 4.3% and 4.8% in 2017, on
the back of domestic demand growth
underpinned by private sector activity.
The country’s exports and imports are
also expected to strengthen on projected
improvement in global economic growth,
higher commodity prices and sustained
domestic demand. On a macro level, the
IMF is forecasting global growth to pick
up from 3.1% in 2016 to 3.5% and 3.6%
in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Global
trade activity is expected to improve on
the back of policy stimulus and a gradual
normalisation of large economies such as
Brazil and Russia. However, uncertainties
surrounding US policy direction under
the new administration, knock-on effects
of Brexit and calls for protectionism may
pose downside risks to global growth
prospects.
Economic recovery in Malaysia has to-
date been relatively muted, with growth
driven predominantly by commodity price
increases and restricted to only a few
sectors of the economy. We anticipate
that the year ahead is likely to continue
to present a demanding operating
environment. Add to that, factors such
as extreme weather conditions and
currency volatility are all likely to affect
our businesses in the near term.
For all these reasons, we will remain
prudent in our approach and will focus
on building the resilience and agility of
our portfolios. The Board is confident
that the Group’s robust balance sheet
and diverse businesses will enable it to
withstand the economic headwinds and
cyclical nature of certain industries whilst
at the same time providing us with the
flexibility to pursue future opportunities.
APPRECIATION AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to express my deepest gratitude
to my fellow Board members for their
dedication and guidance in ensuring the
Group’s success. I also want to thank
the Group’s senior management, our
employees, in all parts of the Group, for
their hard work and dedication. Last but
not least, on behalf of the Board, I would
like to convey our deepest appreciation
to our customers, suppliers, business
partners and all our stakeholders for
continuing to partner with us and you, our
valued shareholders for your continuous
support and confidence.
TAN SRI DATO’ IR. MUHAMMAD RADZI
BIN HAJI MANSOR
Chairman