Introduction This report focuses on Malaysia. Some of the key issues that I would like to highlight in this forum are: the influence of globalization on International Business Trade for Malaysia, the roles of ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) policies for ASEAN trade collaboration and competition, the macro environmental factors that international business should focus upon before launching market expansion, the roles of government in supporting international trade such as Foreign Direct Investment, how government should assist their businesses in competing in global arena either by protectionism or subsidizing, why has International Franchising strategy has work and what are the industries that have utilized this strategy for expansion successfully and why international business executive should pay attention to cultural influence in business negotiation process particularly Malaysia.
Influence of globalization
Globalization is taking significant role in many nations around the world. All products and services are strongly linked to each other. For example, different parts of computer can be manufacture in different location and assemble in China to save cost. Both developed and developing countries such as Malaysia are cautious of its benefits not only socioeconomically but also geopolitically. Realizing this, Malaysia has started to take initiative in globalization

approach in the 21st century. For example, the export of Thai rice and sugar to
Malaysia, telecommunication equipment to Vietnam, rice and vehicles including spare parts to the Philippines and electrical equipment, machinery, fruits and vegetables to Indonesia. Malaysia sustained a robust broad based growth in 2003, driven by strong domestic demand and sturdy export performance as a result of the influence of globalization. As stated in Economic Report of Malaysia (n.d), ‘Electrical and