Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was awarded the ASEAN Master Class Award in ASEAN Development Contribution at the ASEAN Outstanding Business Award (AOBA) 2017 that recognises MATRADE's efforts in facilitating Malaysian enterprises expand their business into the global markets particularly to ASEAN. MATRADE is the only government agency from Malaysia to receive the award, which was organised by the ASEAN Retail-Chains and Franchise Federation (ARFF) on 30 September 2017. The award was presented by the Malaysian Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Tan Sri Haji Noh Haji Omar. With this recognition, MATRADE will continue to boost its export promotion activities especially to its main export market, ASEAN, and continue to serve Malaysian companies in their venture to become global champions from Malaysia.

The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is a special event co-sponsored by China and the 10 ASEAN countries. It is the only international trade fair which themes on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and aims at promoting the reciprocal cooperation and common development of China and ASEAN. Guangxi, the host province of the CAEXPO, is the closest province in China to ASEAN both by sea and land passages, while its Guangxi Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Zone is an important international regional economic zone in China, with prominent potentials and abundant business opportunities.

Under the Framework Agreement on China-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, CAEXPO focuses on regional economic and trade cooperation. Main objectives of CAEXPO are:

• Promoting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area;
• Enhancing bilateral trade relation, investment and tourism between ASEAN and China.

CAEXPO is one of the biggest international exposition in China sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the most influential exposition for “10+1” cooperation.

MATRADE, as the lead agency, has been coordinating Malaysia's participation in CAEXPO since 2004. The lists of awards received by MATRADE for participation in CAEXPO are as follows: 

2018

• Outstanding Organiser
• Best Industry Organiser
• Best Promotion on Investment Cooperation
• Best City of Charm Pavilion

2017

• Best Trade Visitor Organiser
• Best Industry Organiser

2015

• The 12th China-ASEAN Expo Best Exhibition Organiser
• The 12th China-ASEAN Expo Best Industry Organiser
• The 12th China-ASEAN Expo City of Charm

2014

• The 11th China-ASEAN Expo Best Exhibition Organiser
• The 11th China-ASEAN Expo Best Promotion Investment Cooperation

2013

• CAEXPO 10th Anniversary Excellent Organiser
• CAEXPO 10th Anniversary Special Contribution

2012

• 9th CAEXPO Best Organiser of Exhibitor
• 9th CAEXPO Best Organiser of Investment Cooperation

With the joint efforts between China and ASEAN in organising the expo, there will be more bilateral cooperation under CAFTA in promoting trade among participating countries through CAEXPO which focuses on regional economic and trade cooperation and provides enormous opportunities for the business communities, especially for Malaysian exporters to penetrate into this huge market. CAEXPO will also serve as a platform to promote and further strengthen the cooperation and exchange of trade and investment between Malaysia and China.

MATRADE's outreach and level of services have been recognised internationally. In 2008, MATRADE received international recognition for its excellent service as a national trade promotion agency from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and General Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan.

The IDB has awarded MATRADE the prestigious Islamic Solidarity Prize in recognition of its efforts in promoting trade among OIC member nations. Among OIC member states, MATRADE was the first institution to win the prize under the category of trade promotion. 

Caption: President of the Islamic Development Bank Group H.E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali (left) and President of Turkey H.E. Dr. Abdullah Gul (centre) presenting the award to MATRADE's CEO YBhg. Dato' Noharuddin Nordin (right) in Turkey).

The General Chamber of Commerce, Taiwan, awarded MATRADE the Golden Merchant Award in 2008 for being an outstanding foreign commercial office. These awards were also in recognition of the dedication of MATRADE's staff in delivering its services.

Caption: TC With The President of MFTC - Spouses and Chairman of ROCCOC