Annual Report 2017

10 MA T R A D E A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7 CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT The ultimate goal is to create their own success stories and flourish internationally using our global export promotional activities and market intelligence as a springboard to open avenues in global markets MATRADE celebrates its 25th anniversary next year and it is not just a milestone or a mere number; it signifies the strong progress it has made over the last 24 years, having been instrumental in placing Malaysia on the global map. M ATRADE celebrates its 25th anniversary next year and it is not just a milestone or a mere number. It signifies the strong progress it has made over the last 24 years, having been instrumental in placing Malaysian goods and services on the global map. This has meant mobilising our resources to empower entrepreneurs to be outward- looking and expand their global reach in marketing quality goods and services. Together with SMEs, we have moved towards building a diverse, globally-linked economy, growing companies that are competitive internationally. We are honoured to have been given the task to champion entrepreneurs and orient them towards having a keen global eye on new and exciting markets beyond our borders. One of our key strategic pillars is MATRADE’s unique propensity for creating value added capacity building. This includes ground- breaking support initiatives such as Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP) which prioritises trading and business opportunities for the under- represented segments of the population. We have utilised our knowledge and connections to assist these communities to build resilience in their respective companies in terms of export capabilities and readiness, management savvy and financial capability. The ultimate goal is to create their own success stories and to flourish internationally using MATRADE’s export promotional activities and market intelligence as a springboard to open avenues in global markets. This in turn, will strengthen Malaysia’s trade balance in the long run.