THURSDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2019, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) plans to engage with 15,000 Malaysian companies in 2020 through its Exporters Development (ED) and Export Promotion (EP) programmes, curated with the aim of building local companies resilience globally.

In supporting this agenda, MATRADE has outlined 387 programmes next year, of which 315 are ED and 72 are EP. The programmes are focused on creating more export champions in high-value sectors, utilisation of digital platforms, inclusiveness, tapping on current market trends and forging strategic collaborations.

The ED programmes are specifically designed to equip Malaysian companies with the necessary knowledge and skills beneficial in developing their strategic advantage with particular focus on promoting the values of sustainability as stipulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by United Nations.

According to MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh, who was representing MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa at the work programme media announcement, MATRADE will give more focus on promoting Malaysian companies involved in sustainability as part of its effort to make Malaysia a source for sustainable products and services.

“The global marketplaces are demanding for more options in sustainable products or services. There is a growing trend among global retailers, distributers and sellers in sourcing products or services that emphasise on the well-being of the environment and society,” Sharimahton explained.

As the National trade promotion agency, MATRADE will empower Malaysian companies with the right knowledge and market intelligence to ensure they remain competitive against the backdrop of a very challenging global economy.

“Year 2020 will see MATRADE doubling its efforts to create more business opportunities for Malaysian companies particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs). This will be done through strategic engagements with the Public and Private sector in Malaysia and abroad to identify new export opportunities in both conventional and emerging sectors,” Sharimahton said.

MATRADE is set to continue to add value to its signature ED programmes namely eTRADE; Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP); Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP); Mid-Tier Ramp Up Programme and Large Corporation & SME Partnership Programme. Complementing these are various trainings and seminars, as well as the MATRADE’s signature conferences namely National Export Day (NED) and the second edition of Sustainability-Ready Exporters (Su-RE) Conference. The ED programmes will take place all over Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak.

For EP, the programmes will include participation in international trade fairs, trade missions (Export Acceleration Mission and Trade & Investment Mission) as well as the country’s renowned business matching programme, also the brainchild of MATRADE, called International Sourcing Programme (INSP).

Out of all the EP programmes, 58 per cent or will be held in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies such as China, the United States, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, Russia and Brunei, among others. This is very much in line with Malaysia’s role in hosting APEC 2020.

According to Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Datuk Darell Leiking, it is imperative for Malaysia to take the advantage of its one-year chairmanship of APEC with Malaysia being the host nation for APEC next year.

“Given the uncertainty in the global economy mainly from the ongoing US-China trade war, MATRADE has charted its programmes next year in line with APEC 2020 three priority areas namely regional economic integration, inclusivity & technology and sustainability. This is to ensure that Malaysian companies especially exporters get full benefits of APEC through all its member economies,” said Darell.
MATRADE’s EP programmes next year will be focused on Malaysia’s key export sectors such as Services, Building Materials, Aerospace & Maritime, Food & Beverages, Oil & Gas, Lifestyle, Medical & Pharmaceutical, among others.

In addition, MATRADE will also be organising its iconic trade events the 17th edition of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from 1 – 4 April 2020 and Kuala Lumpur International Aerospace Business Conference (KLIABC) from 23 – 25 June 2020. These events are set to promote Malaysia as the world’s top sourcing platforms for Halal products and services as well as a regional hub for aerospace industry respectively.
“Our engagements with companies will also be focusing on driving Malaysian SMEs and MTCs to be more prepared in areas such as Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI). All of these play significant roles in ensuring the companies’ success in international businesses,” Sharimahton shared.

MATRADE will continue to be working closely with other relevant Ministries, agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce and private sectors to ensure the success of Malaysian companies internationally. Malaysian companies keen to take part in MATRADE’s programmes may contact MATRADE via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., MATRADE’s social media channels or visit www.matrade.gov.my for more details.