Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BOOST MALAYSIA’S EXPORT IN 2016

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) at its Work Programme 2016 press conference announced that the trade promotion agency is participating in 150 programmes next year. The work programme has been developed by taking into consideration the global economic performance, the implementation of 11th Malaysia Plan and initiatives laid out by the National Export Council (NEC).

According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, “The strategic orientations in the Work Programme 2016 are based on these elements - increasing responsiveness to market dynamics, partnering industries in the deliberation of trade promotion activities, building export capacity especially in the areas of SMEs development, enhancing the competitive advantage of companies, in export markets, leveraging on e-commerce platforms and focusing on high value sectors such as in Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Maritime & MRO, Medical, Electrical & Electronic, Construction & Professional Services. Complementing these, we will also be organising more programmes in Malaysia, via our signature events.”

“Malaysia may not be insulated from the on-going challenges in the global economy, but our business environment is well structured to support the existing activities while constantly seeking new growth opportunities and deepen relationship with China and ASEAN countries, especially now that the AEC has been realised,” he added.

The 150 programmes for 2016 comprise both Trade Promotion activities (85) and Exporters Development Programme (65). In 2015, MATRADE’s work programme included 116 programmes organised in 46 countries

Participation of companies will be channelled in a number of targeted programmes slated for next year such as the Go-Ex programme (150 companies), eTRADE (1,000 SMEs), Mid-Tier & Ramp Up programme (150 companies) and Best Exporters Programme (100 Bumiputera companies).

Additionally, there will be 30 outreach programmes under the Services Export Fund and 15 to 20 partnerships under the Large Corporation SME partnership programme.

The trade promotion programmes will take place in 35 countries around Asia, Europe, Americas and the Middle East. Of the programmes, 59% is centred around Asia (with strong focus on ASEAN), Europe (13%), Middle East (13%), Americas (4.7%) and Africa (3.5%). The programmes comprised local and International Trade Fairs, Trade Investment Missions, Specialised Marketing Missions as well as International Sourcing Programmes.

MATRADE will also be assisting the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to organise the 1Malaysia programme, a new initiative announced recently by the Government involving various agencies, GLCs and the private sector. The programme is set to create greater export performance for the country as well as to Brand Malaysia in the global marketplace.

The promotional programmes were also selected to create further leverage on the bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by Malaysia with countries like Japan, Turkey, China, Korea, India and Australia, New Zealand as well as with ASEAN countries.

“At present, more than 60 per cent of Malaysia’s exports are with countries which Malaysia has FTAs, either bilaterally or through ASEAN,” Dato’ Dzulkifli mentioned.

MATRADE’s Work Programme 2016 will serve as an effective platform for Malaysian manufacturers and professional service providers to promote their world-class products and services globally, ultimately expanding Malaysia’s export markets worldwide.