National Trade Blueprint

36 National Trade Blueprint Leveraging on digitalisation and e-commerce to support exporters to strengthen their base of competitive advantage, scale up, increase productivity and internationalisation Harnessing Growth Through Technology & E-Commerce New digital technologies have already begun to transform global manufacturing value chains and business models, redefining sources of competitive advantage for exporters. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has further stressed the importance of digitalisation and e-commerce in order to stay resilient. By embracing the whole spectrum of digitalisation and its ancillary technologies, exporters will have the necessary tools to be internationally connected and shorten the supply chain. 8 Strategic Thrusts Thrust 4: FOCUS RATIONALE Harness competitiveness through the digitalisation of supply chain Objective / Pain points Facilitate digitalisation within Malaysian businesses which in turn will improve efficiency and enhance their capacity. Key Stakeholders: MITI/MIDA (Lead), MDEC, MPC, MARii, Economic Corridors, SMECorp, state investment agencies, industry associations Implementation timeline : Long-term Action plans 1. Identifying areas of digitalisation a) Help SMEs identify within their value chain components which can be digitalised. b) The government can run initiatives and extend support and advice on specific areas of digitalisation. 2. Educate on the basics of digitalisation a) Guide companies on the steps towards digitalisation. b) Organise events such as trade fairs to improve exposure of business to the available options. 3. Expedite financial support a) Implement clear timelines and notification systems for application of technology grants. b) Review the financing mechanism and administration of grants to speed up processes. c) Agencies such as MIDA, MDEC and MATRADE should increase efforts to promote existing grants available to companies for digitalisation. 4. Upgrading basic infrastructure a) Government to expedite development of basic infrastructure such as high-speed internet connection in tier 2 cities and rural areas. 4.1