The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) was first initiated at the First Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sydney in February 1978. It was officially launched on 7 September 1980 at the Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting in New Delhi, India, to signify Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation, in particular Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC).

In line with the spirit of South-South Cooperation, Malaysia through MTCP shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries. The MTCP was first formulated based on the belief that the development of a country depends on the quality of its human resources. The programme forms part of the commitment of the Malaysian Government towards the promotion of technical cooperation among developing countries, strengthening of regional and sub-regional cooperation, as well as nurturing collective self-reliance among developing countries.

The MTCP emphasises the development of human resources through the provision of training in various areas which are essential for a country’s development such as public administration, good governance, health services, education, sustainable development, agriculture, poverty alleviation, investment promotion, ICT and banking. More than 100 short-term specialised courses are offered by more than 50 MTCP training institutions, many of which are centres of excellence for training. Since its launching, more than 20,000 participants from 140 countries have benefited from the various programmes offered under the MTCP.

The MTCP has been managed by the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department since its inception. In a move to further enable MTCP to spread its wings wider and stronger, the Malaysian Government has decided to transfer the MTCP to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1 January 2010. It is envisaged that emplacing it under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could provide the synergy and support it requires in line with Malaysia’s foreign policy. As the focal point for the MTCP, Wisma Putra is responsible to formulate policies, fund, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the MTCP programmes.

Initially, MATRADE only organised one (1) MTCP programme specially for the OIC countries in 2006 with 27 participants from 20 countries. Since then, it has grown and MATRADE has successfully organised 3 MTCP programmes in 2010. Approximately 200 participants from over 52 countries have benefited from MTCP's programme organised by MATRADE. The programmes that MATRADE has organised are:

• Malaysia - Sharing Of Experience In Trade Promotion For OIC Member Countries (2006 - 2008)
• Endeavouring Global Trade Competitiveness for OIC/D8 Member Countries (2009 - 2010)
• Interfacing with Chambers of Commerce on Global Challenges and Trade Opportunities (2009 - 2010)
• Malaysia - Sharing of Experience in Trade Promotion for CLMV Trade Promotion Organisation (2010)

The target participants in the MTCP programme for OIC/D8 and CLMV countries are specifically from the trade promotion organisation or Ministry that handles trade promotion activities. MATRADE also organised a programme for representatives from Chambers of Commerce and the participants are the Chambers of Commerce's personnel.

The objectives for MTCP OIC/D8 and CLMV programme are as follows:

• Exchanging knowledge on trade policies and strategies
• Providing guidelines in promoting product and services globally
• Giving exposure in managing exhibition and mission locally and overseas
• Building networking with participating countries

While the objectives for MTCP Chambers of Commerce are as follows:

• Challenges and Business Opportunities amongst Chamber of Commerce.
• Collaboration between Chambers of Commerce for Effective Export/Import Promotion
• Knowledge Sharing and Experience on Global Market.
• Capacity Building Programme for Chambers of Commerce in the Exports Sector
• Trade Policy and Trade Performance
• Leveraging ICT for Trade Promotion

Due to the good relationship with the participating countries, MATRADE has collaborated with countries such as Pakistan, UAE, Nigeria and Egypt in organising technical assistance programme specifically for their officers in the Trade Promotion Activities. This positive relationship also has lead to the signing of MOU between Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and LimKokWing University of Creative Technology in the field of Branding and Packaging. These programmes were completely sponsored by NEPC itself.

Besides that, in year 2007 and 2008, MATRADE collaborated with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in organising On-Job Training Programme for Developing English Speaking Countries. MATRADE has trained 14 participants from Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan in trade promotion activities. This programme was sponsored by the IDB for selected trade promotion organisations only.

The MTCP programme has successfully alerted participating countries on Malaysia's products and services. MATRADE received enquiries from participating countries such as the enquiries received from VIETRADE on oil and gas and other Malaysian products. Apart from that, participants also come back to participate in MATRADE's major exhibition such as the participation from Zimbabwe Chambers of Commerce in INTRADE 2010. Generally, the MTCP programme has successfully assisted Malaysia in promoting the country and its products and services. On the other hand, Malaysian exporters also gained insights to the participants' economy as they presented a paper on the opportunities available for the Malaysian business in their country.