Press Releases 2016
Chefs and Sommeliers From 15 Nations Endorse The Superior Taste of HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh!
Chefs and Sommeliers from 15 nations endorse the superior taste of HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh!
Kuala Lumpur 28 October 2016: Malaysia’s leading soya specialist company, Ace Canning Corp Sdn Bhd has been appointed by HERSHEY’S as the official licensee of HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh Flavoured Soya Milk to bring the wonderful HERSHEY’S chocolate taste into the region.
This appointment is a testament to the local company’s expertise in soya beverages and has aided the company to further grow its market overseas. Following the appointment, Ace Canning Corp has been able to augment its reach to a number of countries namely Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, New Zealand, Thailand and recently Australia.
The company, also a member of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), is based in Malaysia and produces a host of delectable beverages brands such as Drinho, Homesoy and Soyfresh.
Ace Canning Corp’s Managing Director Paul Lim said the collaboration with HERSHEY’S, which is the No.1 chocolate company in the United States, is an honour, not only for the company, but for the country as well. “A big brand such as HERSHEY’S believes in our capability and we are truly humbled by this collaboration. It will help us penetrate even more markets as it is a boost to our credibility,†he said.
“In this, we are thankful to have the support of MATRADE in facilitating us with market intelligence and linking us with potential business partners and buyers from overseas,†he added.
HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh is made with HERSHEY’S finest chocolate ingredients. Available in Chocolate, Cookies ‘N’ Crème and Mocha flavours, these exquisite beverages come in 946ml and 236ml variants. Like all other Ace Canning’s products, HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh is certified HALAL by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim). It also prides itself as a locally formulated product, manufactured exclusively in Malaysia for the local and export markets.
As an additional testament to its superior taste and quality, HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh recently won 2 and 3 golden stars iTQi 2016 awards for its Chocolate and Cookies ‘N’ Crème variants respectively.
iTQi, The International Taste & Quality Institute Belgium is an independent organization dedicated to testing and promoting great tasting food and drinks from around the world. The iTQi jury comprises prestigious Chefs and Sommeliers from 15 nations to identify exceptional, remarkable, and notable tasting products through a rigorous testing regime.
Other recognitions and accolades that HERSHEY’S-Soyfresh has received are:
- Product of the Year 2015/16 in Malaysia.
- Most Innovative Product Award in SIAL Manila 2014
- Most Innovative Product Award in SIAL Paris 2015
- Most Innovative Product Award in SIAL Manila 2016.
This HERSHEY’S and Ace Canning collaboration is indeed a promise of many happy moments to come.
Local Busineses Thrive at ASEAN Border Trade 2016
LOCAL BUSINESSES THRIVE AT ASEAN BORDER TRADE 2016
MATRADE’s inaugural ABT 2016 encourages businesses to take part in border trade activities
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016, KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural ASEAN Border Trade 2016 (ABT 2016) which took place recently concluded with RM75 million (USD17.2 million) of sales generated by Malaysian companies at the event. Organised in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the outcome is a strong indicator of Malaysian companies’ receptiveness, particularly from the East Coast, in integrating into the border trade activities with ASEAN countries.
Among the ASEAN member countries that have participated in the event were Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei as well as China. The sales were derived from the event’s two main components– trade exhibition and International Sourcing Programme. The latter is MATRADE’s signature business matching programme.
With 119 booths by both Malaysian and ASEAN companies, the ABT 2016 was attended by 3,711 visitors, complemented with over 250 business meetings arranged for the Malaysian companies. The main products sourced at the ABT 2016 include premix coffee, tea & cocoa, dairy products, confectioneries.
The ASEAN region remains an important trading partner for Malaysia. In 2015, trade with ASEAN amounted to USD102.87 billion, an increase of 3.2 per cent as compared to 2014. Meanwhile, exports to ASEAN last year accounted for 28.1 per cent of total exports for the country. For the first eight months of 2016, exports into ASEAN increased by 5.6 per cent.
Under the Post 2015 AEC Action Plan, one of the emphases on increasing intra ASEAN trade and investment is on developing border trade activities. The geographical proximity of the borders of many ASEAN countries can be a catalyst for local traders and businesses to do more business beyond borders. As an example, in 2015, the value of border trade between Malaysia and Thailand amounted to USD13.8 billion or 62.4 per cent of our total trade with Thailand.
Presently, in ASEAN, there is a thriving border trade between the northern region of Malaysia and Southern Thailand, Indonesia and Sarawak, Sabah and the Philippines as well as the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Malaysian Companies Strenghten Foothold in The United Kingdom
MALAYSIAN COMPANIES STRENGHTEN FOOTHOLD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Promotion in London generates RM344.58 in potential export sales
KUALA LUMPUR, October 4, 2016: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) Source Malaysia Programme in London recently has successfully generated total potential sales of RM344.58 million. This is reflective of United Kingdom’s significance as one of Malaysia’s top trading partners in Europe.
The programme involved a total of 81 Malaysian companies from various sectors namely building materials, food & beverage, lifestyle, personal care & cosmetics, automotive, packaging and business services. Held from 26 – 27 September 2016 in London, the event was aimed at providing a platform for Malaysian companies to meet potential UK business partners via pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings. Source Malaysia took place at Kensington Close Hotel and was a component of a Malaysia showcase in London called ‘Choose Malaysia’ event.
Attended by Minister of International Trade and Industry YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Source Malaysia Programme featured a business matching session for Malaysian companies with UK businesses. The business interest reported were mainly on products like LED screen, food paste, sauce, energy beverages, personal care, building materials (concrete slabs and steel tubes), biomass pallets, consultancy services and Islamic finance.
Complementing the event was an exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SME International Trade Association (SMITA) and Finpoint Limited. The MoU is on project funding assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises seeking greater market access in the UK, Europe and Middle East. Total funds available under this collaboration is GBP100 million.
According to MATRADE’s Market Access Senior Director, Madam Aureen Jean Nonis, the mission was participated by mostly SMEs and was targeted at enhancing the awareness on Malaysian capabilities among the UK business community. “UK and Malaysia has long established strong business connections and we need to sustain this relationship for the benefit of both nations,†she said.
This event was timely in efforts to drive bilateral trade between the two countries. In 2015, Malaysia’s total trade with the United Kingdom increased by 9.4% to reach RM16.45 billion. Exports expanded by 17.6% to RM9.32 billion while imports were valued at RM7.13 billion, making the UK Malaysia’s 17th largest trading partner.
“Malaysian companies must continue to establish strategic partnerships with the UK business community and leverage on the opportunities available under the first mover advantage following the announcement on Brexit,†Madam Aureen mentioned.
‘Choose Malaysia’ event is an international roadshow to promote Malaysia’s strengths in tourism, trade and investment. Following London, the event will take place in Shanghai and Sydney, in November and December respectively. Malaysian companies keen to know more on ‘Choose Malaysia’ in Shanghai and Sydney can email to Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya..
The programme was mooted by the National Export Council, chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak. ‘Choose Malaysia’ event is in line with the National Blue Ocean Strategy that stresses on elimination of duplication and redundancy in efforts and sharing of resources by both public and private sector locally and abroad in promoting Malaysia’s trade, investment and tourism.
MATRADE and KADIN Indonesia Join Forces to Organise a Business Forum
MATRADE AND KADIN INDONESIA JOIN FORCES TO ORGANISE A BUSINESS FORUM
Event aims to boost trade and investment between Malaysia and Indonesia
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 KUALA LUMPUR: In realising the aspiration of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to develop a more prosperous region, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) are partnering to organise a business forum cum networking session aimed at creating a stronger awareness on trade and investment in the two nations.
Organised in a collaboration with CIMB Bank, the first ever MATRADE-KADIN Indonesia Business Forum takes place at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club – KLGCC) and coincides with CIMB Classic 2016. The business forum is attended by Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed and Minister of Trade Indonesia, H.E. Enggartiasto Lukita.
The event hosts more than 30 selected participants comprising senior management of Malaysian companies and individuals from various government agencies and departments. Complementing this is the attendance of an Indonesian delegation from KADIN Indonesia which consists of 30 business leaders representing various business sectors and association.
Aimed at creating a platform for exchange of views, the session also offers an avenue for the private sector from both countries to understand the opportunities awaiting them through strategic partnerships or joint ventures.
The forum features keynote address and a presentation by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed on the business opportunities in Malaysia.
Malaysia as a member of ASEAN is pushing for greater intra-ASEAN trade and Indonesia is one of the promising markets for Malaysian exporters to tap into. With the materialisation of the AEC, an increasing number of regional integration initiatives have been carried out which have contributed to the liberalisation and development of ASEAN.
There are opportunities that remain untapped in both countries. Malaysia with its liberal business environment has progressively liberalised the economy unilaterally or through participation in regional and bilateral Free Trade Agreements. YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed in his speech mentions that Malaysia welcomes the numerous 13th economic stimulus packages introduced by Indonesia. “Within ASEAN, both countries have also undertaken market opening measures. Import duties have been virtually eliminated. Equity ownership in investment and services sector liberalised, with equity ownership of 100% allowed in many sectors,†he said in the speech.
Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud in the meantime said, “With MATRADE’s network of 46 offices worldwide, of which 7 are in ASEAN, Malaysian companies can be connected to high-potential business partners in various countries including Indonesia. This forum will offer them a chance to better understand the Indonesian market and this hopefully will be a catalyst to a symbiotic business relationship between the players in both nations.â€
In 2015, Malaysia’s total trade with Indonesia rose by 1 per cent from RM59.7 billion in 2014 to RM60.2 billion. Malaysia’s exports to Indonesia consisted largely of petroleum products, chemical products, machinery & parts as well as E&E products – all amounted to RM29.1 bilion or USD7.5 billion. Malaysia’s import from Indonesia consisted mainly of palm oil and palm based products, petroleum products as well as chemicals products with a combined value recorded at RM31 bilion or USD8 billion.
Malaysian companies keen to venture into Indonesia are urged to contact MATRADE via email at Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya.. This year, MATRADE is organising 150 programme comprising export promotion activities (85) and exporters development programme (65), of which 37 activities will take place in ASEAN.
ASEAN Border Trade 2016 to Drive Cross Border Exports Among ASEAN Nations
ASEAN BORDER TRADE 2016 TO DRIVE CROSS BORDER EXPORTS AMONG ASEAN NATIONS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016, KOTA BHARU: Malaysia is spearheading the initiative to drive cross border exports in ASEAN through ASEAN Border Trade (ABT) 2016 Exhibition held in Grand Riverview Hotel from 30 September till 2 October 2016. The inaugural event is a brainchild of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) - Malaysia’s export promotion agency under the purview of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
Launched by Deputy Minister of MITI YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, ABT 2016 involves the participation of over 150 exhibitors and 100 buyers from Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. The ABT 2016 is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between Malaysia and other ASEAN countries as well as providing a platform for Malaysian companies to discover more export opportunities with potential partners from the ASEAN region.
The three-day event comprises an exhibition, business matching sessions (International Sourcing Programme), seminar & forum, business clinics as well as a showcase on local Kelantanese food and culture such dikir barat, wau and batik drawing demonstration .
One of the main components of the event - the International Sourcing Programme or INSP – will be held on 1 October 2016 involving 50 overseas buyers from ASEAN countries and around 100 Malaysian companies. Among the sectors to be promoted at the INSP are agricultural produce, apparel, food beverages, electrical & electronic (E&E) products, furniture, gifts & souvenir, beauty products and many more.
The INSP, MATRADE’s signature business matching programme, is considered as a cost-effective medium for Malaysian product and service providers to connect with international buyers. During the INSP, the Malaysian companies will be able to discuss business partnerships and opportunities through a series of one-on-one pre-arranged business meetings coordinated by MATRADE.
According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, ASEAN as a successful regional grouping promises an abundance of intra-ASEAN trade opportunities for its members, one of which includes border trade activities. “A lot of entrepreneurs in states like Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak that are bordering with Thailand as well as Sabah (close to the Philippines) have been involved in border trade activities for many years. We also hope for the ABT 2016 to be a catalyst in driving a more concerted effort by both the government and private sector in accelerating cross border exports,†he says.
During the event, two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been exchanged involving MATRADE and Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (on trade promotion cooperation) as well as between Gabungan Usahawan Parlimen Jeli and Narathiwat Chambers of Commerce (on cooperation in trade events).
Among the supporting agencies that are involved in the ABT 2016 include all MITI agencies, Economic Planning Unit (EPU), State Economic Planning Unit, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) as well as Malaysian chambers of commerce, trade associations, business and entrepreneurs association and higher education institutions in Kelantan.
From January to July 2016, exports to ASEAN remained resilient and grew by 5.8% or RM7.01 billion to reach a value of RM128.19 billion, accounting for 29.6% share of Malaysia’s total exports. The increase in exports was driven largely by the exports of E&E products (electronic integrated circuits), manufactures of metal (aluminium alloys), machinery, equipment and parts (air conditioner), processed food as well as chemicals and chemical products (alcohols, phenols and derivatives).
