Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)

The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) was first initiated at the First Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sydney in February 1978.

In line with the spirit of South-South Cooperation, Malaysia through MTCP, shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries through technical cooperation programmes. These programmes constitute a commitment by the Malaysian Government towards promoting technical cooperation among developing countries, strengthening of regional and sub-regional cooperation, as well as nurturing collective self-reliance among developing countries.

MTCP emphasises the development of human capital through trainings in various areas such as agriculture, economy, finance and trade, education, environment, industrial technical training, diplomacy, public management and administration, professional services, social development and science, technology and ICT. To-date Malaysia has extended trainings to 143 recipient countries and has trained more than 32,000 participants.

MTCP is currently under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can provide the synergy and support it requires in line with Malaysia’s foreign policy. As the focal point for the MTCP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (Wisma Putra) is responsible to formulate policies, fund, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the MTCP programmes.

The objectives of MTCP are as follows:

To share development experience with other countries;
To strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and other developing countries;
To promote South-South Cooperation (SSC); and
To promote technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC)

Programmes under the MTCP

There are five types of cooperation available under the MTCP as follows:

Provision of long-term fellowship and scholarship for post-graduate and undergraduates courses at Malaysian Public Universities;
Provision of short-term specialized training for participants at various training institutions and Government agencies in Malaysia;
Study visits and practical attachment at participating Governments agencies in Malaysia;
Advisory services by Malaysian experts; and
Other assistance, including socio-economic projects and provisions of supplies and equipment on a very selective basis.

The Third Country Training Program (TCTP)

The Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) is a capacity – building collaboration project between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Japan with the objective of sharing Malaysia’s and Japan’s expertise and experiences in trade promotion strategies and programmes with selected African countries. The project is funded by the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Japan.

The implementation of the project is through a tri-partied cooperation between the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), a unit under the purview of the International Cooperation and Development Division, Department of Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as the implementing agency for programmes related to trade promotion and facilitation. MTCP is the Secretariat for the TCTP.

The TCTP is also seen as a medium to fulfill the government’s commitment in strengthening the South-South Cooperation in the area of capacity building among developing countries. The target participants in the TCTP programme are specifically from the trade promotion organisation or Ministry that handles trade promotion activities. This program will be held once a year.

The first collaboration on TCTP was implemented in 2013 with the theme “Trade Facilitation for African Countries” focusing on the capacity building for the African states in trade promotion.
TCTP was not implemented in 2014 due to health concern caused by the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

The main objectives of the programme:-

Sharing of Malaysia and Japan’s experiences in formulation and implementation of export strategies - market access, trade promotion and export capacity building;
Fostering closer rapport between Malaysia, Japan and the participating countries through sharing of expertises in trade promotion;
Providing insights into MATRADE’s organizational operations and methodology in promoting Malaysia products and services for export;
Exposing participants to Malaysia’s eco-system in developing SMEs into global exporters;
Raising awareness among participants towards global and regional trade development, issues and challenges;
Establishing greater understanding among participants and host countries in matters of mutual concern and interest, especially in trade promotion involving goods and services; and
Establishing stronger network with Trade Promotion Agencies of participating countries.

The TCTPs that MATRADE has organised are: