FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is ramping up its support for Malaysian exporters of machinery products and services especially that which is related to the Industry 4.0 by organising an Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) in conjunction to Hannover Messe 2018 trade fair.

A total sixteen (16) Malaysian companies with 32 delegates will be involved in the EAM. This is the third time that MATRADE will be organising an EAM during Hannover Messe, which is the largest trade fair in the world for industrial technology.

The EAM, which is being led by MATRADE’s CEO, Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, will showcasing Malaysia’s capability in the areas such as engineering solutions, precision engineering and machining for sectors such as semiconductor automation, rubber gloves, textile, heavy plant such as steel making plant.

Malaysian companies will also be promoting solutions related to automation and robotic systems as well as systems and solutions related to data and business intelligence management. The Malaysian Pavilion will be based in the Industry Supply and in the Integrated Automation Motion Drive hall.

Some of the Malaysian companies involved in the EAM are already exporting to the European market and keen to use their participation to further enhance their footprint in the European market.

According to Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, Malaysia’s participation at Hannover Messe is part of MATRADE’s push to further highlight and brand Malaysia’s capabilities on homegrown solutions related to Industry 4.0, smart factories, digital and automation robotics to potential global business partners. ‘We have planned for business matching sessions for our companies which hopefully can lead to collaborations, partnership and joint ventures for them,’’ he noted, adding that this is critical as establishing market access for industrial technology and solutions is not straight forward.

He noted that for a long time, Malaysia’s technology related exports were more on parts and components. ‘We are equally strong on others areas and this is what we need to showcase to move up the value chain and create brand-champions,’ he informed. The participation is also to provide an avenue for the Malaysian companies to get greater insight on industry trends, especially that which is related to Industry 4.0 so that they are able to retain their competitiveness moving forward.

In 2017, Malaysia’s total trade of machinery, equipment & parts were valued at USD27.64 billion. Exports grew by 3.1% to USD9.34 billion. Major exported items in 2017 were machinery & parts specialised for particular industries (mainly semiconductor industry); heating & cooling equipment & parts (mainly air-conditioning machines) and pumps (other than for liquids), compressors, fans, centrifuges & parts. These items collectively accounted 55.3% share of machinery, equipment & parts exports.

Malaysia’s top 5 export destinations for machinery, equipment & parts were Singapore, the USA, Thailand, Indonesia and China. These markets collectively accounted 49.3% share of Malaysia’s total exports of machinery, equipment & parts. Within the same period, Germany the 11th export destination for Malaysia’s exports of machinery, equipment & parts. Malaysia’s total trade with Germany increased 10.9% to USD12.33 billion in 2017. Germany was the Malaysia’s 11th largest trading partner within the same period.

Local companies that are keen to explore the European market can contact MATRADE’s Frankfurt office by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.