TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2020, KUALA LUMPUR: The National Export Day has always been a core trade event put together by MATRADE for Malaysian exporters and others involved in trade-related activities. In 2020, for the very first time, MATRADE organised a virtual eNational Export Day (eNED 2020), bringing together a large trade audience from every corner of Malaysia and even from around the world.

This year’s theme of "Transforming Crisis into Opportunities" is spot-on, as it explores and delves deeper into how exporters can survive and thrive through this pandemic.

The 3-day event held from 8-10 September 2020 (Tuesday-Thursday) was officiated by YB Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry this morning.

In his keynote address, he urged Malaysian companies especially SMEs, to expedite adoption of digitalisation and seize the opportunity created by the rapid digitalisation in global economy. He added that Malaysian companies should leverage public-private sector collaboration to advance their cause in the global market.

YB Datuk Lim also said COVID-19 has changed the conduct of business and international trade. “The need to intensify export sales and to get to market is crucial given the altered and disruptive environment we now face. In the new norm, digitalisation plays an important role, especially in reaching out to foreign buyers as well as enhance trading with other nations. Hence, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry via its agency, MATRADE will double the efforts to intensify export sales by leveraging on digital platforms.”

eNED 2020 was attended by more than 1,300 virtual participants from all businesseNED 2020 was attended by more than 1,300 virtual participants from all businesslevels including Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, venture capitalists,Mid-Tier companies, large corporations, Government Linked Companies (GLCs),Multinational Companies (MNCs), government agencies as well as institutions ofhigher learning from all over Malaysia.

Organised virtually for the first time, this event featured personalities and field expertsfrom various sectors, including local and international businesses that shared theirjourney and successful transition through the crisis to beat the odds. Besides, theindustry players, financiers, economists, trade experts, MATRADE officials and TradeCommissioners shared insights and assistance provided by MATRADE to re-ignite themomentum in pursuing export sales amidst a global pandemic. The event wasstreamed live for 3 consecutive days from 9am to 1pm.

Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE said “MATRADEhas leveraged on digital platforms to sustain export promotion programmes during thepandemic such as online business-to-business meeting (eBizMatch), webinars, virtualtrade shows and business pitching for exporters to ensure continuous engagementwith global clients”.

“The high turnout shows a strong interest among our companies to continue theirexport business despite border closure. It is crucial for MATRADE to encourage thesecompanies to continue venturing abroad and this event will help them understand howthey can do things differently in the new norm,” Wan Latiff said.

During the session, participants had the opportunity to gather valuable market insightpresented by MATRADE Trade Commissioners (TC) from ASEAN, India, China,United States and Saudi Arabia which allowed them develop export strategies andexpand their business globally.