Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: – Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) announced that the government of Japan has introduced a new guideline on food labeling law which is expected to be implemented in March 2015. The new guideline requires importers to declare the effects of ingredients on specific areas of human body, for instance, “(the food) supports liver function”.

Importers have to notify the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency on their newly labeled products and publish research method and its results on the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency’s website. This is to provide customers with easy access to detail information on a particular food product. Importers are also required to print disclaimers to alert consumers that the food products are not officially endorsed by the government.

According to Mr. Kua Kiat Chye, Director of MATRADE Japan, “To win acceptance of Japanese health conscious consumers, it is crucial for Malaysia’s food and beverages manufacturers and exporters to comply with the new guideline and to closely engage with their importers in Japan in undertaking a more aggressive marketing strategy in tapping Japan’s huge health food market”.

“As all food products being sold in Japan are required to be labeled in the Japanese language, Malaysia’s exporters of food and beverages are also advised to have their products’ labeling and packaging in the Japanese language”, he added.

Japan’s market size of health food is currently valued at RM58 billion and its imports of health food products from Malaysia last year totaled RM47 million. The increasing demand for health food and beverage products in Japan offers greater opportunities for Malaysia’s companies to increase exports of health food and beverage products to the market.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be organising a Specialised Marketing Mission (SMM) on Processed Food to Lima, Peru in conjunction with ExpoAlimentaria 2014, one of South America’s largest trade fair on food and beverages which will be held from 27 to 29 August 2014.

According to Ms. Ezzwanee Ahmad,  Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Chile, “Food and beverage products from Asia are gaining acceptance in the market as consumers are opening their palates to new flavours. Importers are seeking new products from other countries to be introduced to the market in tandem with this consumer trend. Therefore, it is a good opportunity for Malaysian food and beverages companies to tap into the market.”

Malaysian companies joining the SMM include manufacturers of snacks and confectionery, health supplements, food ingredients as well as equipment and logistic providers for the food industry. MATRADE has scheduled 92 business meetings between the Malaysian companies and buyers from Peru.

Since 2010, Peru has showed signs of economic recovery. All import sectors recorded growth of more than 30%.  Consumer goods had the highest recovery at 40% followed by raw materials and intermediate products at 38%.  Malaysia’s trade with Peru in 2013 was RM607.4 with exports valued at RM370.3 million and imports at RM237.1. Major exports were electrical and electric products, rubber products, palm oil, wood products, textiles, clothing & footwear and processed food.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: ‘It is now the right time for Malaysian companies to join in the bandwagon to tap into Mongolia's emerging market’ said Mr. Ong Yew Chee, Director of the Business Services and Building Materials Section. “Mongolia is definitely one of the new markets that should not be deserted by Malaysian companies in their global growth and expansion plans. Due to the stronger purchasing power, Mongolian middle and high end customers are receptive and have preference for high quality products and services and the presence of many branded retail outlets in Ulaanbaatar reflects the new trend of consumption. Malaysian company should further tap the potential opportunities from this growing market”, he added.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be coordinating the participation of 9 Malaysian companies comprising from food and beverages sector, creative industry, logistics and professional services at the Ulaanbaatar Partnership International Trade Fair (UBPITF) 2014, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from September 11 – 15, 2014.

Malaysia’s trade pavilion is occupying a space of 108 sqm at the Misheel Expo Center, where the venue of the UBPITF will be held. Other participating countries are Belarus, South Korea, Japan, Poland and Russia.

Concurrent event during UBPITF 2014 is the 27thAsean Trade Promotion Forum (APTF) CEO Meeting from 11 – 12 September, 2014, hosted by the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), whereby MATRADE’s CEO, Datuk Dr. Wong Lai Sum is one of the invited guest speaker. The theme for this year is ‘TPOs for Sustainable Development – The Role and Engagement of TPOs in promoting Green Business, Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Facilitation.’

Mongolia despite of a small market of 3 million people is an important growing emerging market. Mongolia has undergone fundamental changes moving towards a more open economy. The country has also improved its position in the ease of doing business. Trade could be transacted in US Dollar and its matured banking system has facilitated international trade. Potential sector for Mongolian market includes infrastructure development, tourism, hotels and hospitality, healthcare, prepared food, energy sector as well as mining.

As of 2013, Malaysia’s trade with Mongolia was valued at RM130.22 million, a substantial increase of 42.3%. Malaysia’s exports to Mongolia had recorded significant growth rising 46.2% to RM128.27 million in 2013. Major exports to Mongolia consist of petroleum products, E&E products, palm oil, processed food and wood products. In addition, Malaysia’s import from Mongolia in 2013 was valued at RM1.95 million, contributed mainly from metalliferous ores and metal scrap, E&E products as well as machinery, appliances & parts.

Since 2009, Malaysia’s export to Mongolia has been growing at an average annual rate of about 30%. The potential of our exports further growing in the market was reflected in the strong demand for our products. For the first six months of 2014, Malaysia’s trade with Mongolia increased by 62% to RM65.4 million with exports increasing by 60.8% to RM64 million compared with the same period of last year. We merely import RM1.4 million from Mongolia.

Participation of ‘Julies’, one of Malaysian proud brand of biscuits and confectioneries would be among the pull factors for visitors to visit Malaysia pavilion in UBPITF 2014. ‘Julies’ are targeting for a broader and extensive presence in the Mongolian market, which aimed to be the first recognised Malaysian brand for biscuits in Mongolia. Besides food, Jeff Leong, Poon &Wong (“JLPW”) are proud to present Malaysia under the professional service industry. JLPW is an internationally affiliated law firm which advises on all aspects of legal & professional services. JLPW Mongolia Services Group, a division under JLPW, support professional, legal, technical and consultancy services providers in Mongolia, which  able to help international investors investing and doing business in Mongolia and Malaysia.

FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be participating for the second consecutive year at GDS & Tag It!, Dusseldorf, Germany from 29 July- 1 August 2014.

The event will see 9 leading Malaysian footwear manufacturers and the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (MFMA) showcasing their best and latest collection, ranging from ladies shoes, men shoes, safety and industrial shoes to sports shoes as well as high fashion shoes. Companies participating include Nelissa Hilman, a shoe designer at GDS; and Apness, CV&JS, HTP Soles, Jimmy Couture, Malaysia Footwear Association (MFMA), Reveya, Golden Boss, Sooi Seng and Unico at Tag It!

In their quest to create an identity for their products, Malaysian footwear manufacturers have successfully marketed their own brands, while several manufacturers are also producing for international brands such as Camel, Hush Puppies, Scholl, Puma and Nike under licensing arrangement.

Malaysia is among one of Asia’s leading exporters of footwear and participation under the Malaysia Pavilion at this event is to further strengthen the country’s position in the European markets. Malaysian exhibitors will be focusing on current fashion and contemporary designs as well as quality finishing and competitive pricing. Malaysian companies are constantly introducing innovative designs, patterns and colours as the industry is increasing attracting new buyers from affluent markets that emphasize on trendiness in latest designs and superior quality.

During the 4-days event, MATRADE Frankfurt has arranged one-to one business meetings for the exhibitor at the Malaysian Pavilion, under Hall 5 F18 for GDS and Hall 16 F21 for Tag It! at Messe Dusseldorf, Germany.

The exports of footwear in 2013 increased by 6.8 per cent from RM443.8 million to RM474.1 million and positive growth was recorded for January to May 2014 with exports expanding by 7.6 per cent to RM208.2 million from RM193.5 million for the same period last year. Among the major markets were Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and Pakistan.