Annual Report 2019

Sustaining Export Development MATRADE Core Purpose // 103 BUMIPUTERA, WOMEN AND YOUTH EXPORTERS’ DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME GOING EXPORT PROGRAMME The Going Export (Go-Ex) programme is among many government initiatives under the SME Masterplan 2012-2020 aimed to enhance growth of SME exports. MATRADE, as the government’s appointed implementing agency for high impact programmes nurtures local SMEs to become more resilient and competitive in the international market. The Go-Ex programme focuses on SMEs that are ready and have high export potential to explore new markets. It offers focused and comprehensive assistance for SMEs to improve export performance. SMEs in the Go-Ex programme are guided in developing export business plans followed by business meeting arrangements with relevant foreign importers. Since October 2014, a total of 287 companies were selected to participate in Go-Ex programme from the following sectors; food & beverage, lifestyle, healthcare products, E&E, oil & gas, building materials, machinery & equipment, automotive, aerospace, logistics and ICT. Among the assistance provided under Go-Ex programmes were market immersion, market relation services, international branding, prototype production, certification, sample delivery and rental of foreign office. A total of 88 market immersion programmes in foreign markets were organised and RM616.50 million in export sales was recorded. After five years of managing Go-Ex, the programme was transferred to SME Corp Malaysia on 1 July 2019 based on a decision by Majlis Pembangunan Usahawan dan PKS Kebangsaan. This was in-line with the new strategic direction outlined in the National Entrepreneurship Framework (NEF) under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative. BUILDING EXPORT READINESS Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters’ Development Programme (BWYEDP) is a mentoring programme provided to assist bumiputera, women and youth owned companies explore export markets. BWYEDP offers a three-year support programme which involves intensive business training tailored to the needs of a particular company. It encompasses upskilling, international business exposure, networking, mentoring sessions as well as leadership and entrepreneurship development. In 2019, a total of 30 new companies were selected to join this programme. Since the introduction of BWYEDP in 2004, a total of 372 companies have been successfully assisted to explore opportunities in export markets. Sectors involved include food & beverage, oil & gas, medical devices, healthcare products, lifestyle, ICT and other services. Exporters Advisory Services Unit provides information to visitors during the trade seminar