16 TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE EXPORTS The Trade Commissioner (TC) Conference Programme for the Americas, Europe, and East Asia (Miami, Istanbul, and Tokyo) was held in November 2022 to exchange and share information among Trade Offices and Headquarters. The TC Conference is crucial to enable MATRADE management to discuss current developments, future directions, financial positions and organisational aspirations face-to-face. DIGITALISATION INITIATIVE Throughout the year, MATRADE prioritised enhancing its internal IT infrastructure and applications under the Digital MATRADE Package 3 (DM3) programme. Cognisant of the integral role of technology in the new normal and beyond, MATRADE proposed recommendations to the government to enhance existing digitalisation initiatives through the National Economic Action Council (MTEN). These proposals include the establishment of the Integrated Trade Event Platform (ITEP), a dedicated platform for virtual connections between international buyers and Malaysian companies. Additionally, a Single Information Portal for Export (SIPE) is being developed to provide comprehensive value chain information from various sources, helping Malaysian companies become global players. These initiatives position MATRADE as a leader in modern trade promotion, equipping the organisation to navigate the ever-evolving international trade landscape. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, MATRADE had already begun digitising its services, encouraging exporters to become more digitally savvy. MATRADE also intensified efforts to support Malaysian exporters in adapting to the new normal, reducing costs and alleviating financial burdens for businesses affected by the pandemic. Notably, the digitalisation efforts were showcased during MIHAS 2021, which was hosted entirely in a virtual format. MATRADE’s achievements in this field were recognised internationally, as the organisation received the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Award for the Best Use of Information Technology in the Trade Promotion category. SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA The sustainability agenda is a global effort that has impacted countries, industries, and companies. Advanced markets like the EU, the United States, and Japan have implemented responsible and ethical sourcing requirements based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines for imported goods.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjUyODU0