Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

MALAYSIAN COMPANIES STRENGHTEN FOOTHOLD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Promotion in London generates RM344.58 in potential export sales

KUALA LUMPUR, October 4, 2016: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) Source Malaysia Programme in London recently has successfully generated total potential sales of RM344.58 million. This is reflective of United Kingdom’s significance as one of Malaysia’s top trading partners in Europe.

The programme involved a total of 81 Malaysian companies from various sectors namely building materials, food & beverage, lifestyle, personal care & cosmetics, automotive, packaging and business services. Held from 26 – 27 September 2016 in London, the event was aimed at providing a platform for Malaysian companies to meet potential UK business partners via pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings. Source Malaysia took place at Kensington Close Hotel and was a component of a Malaysia showcase in London called ‘Choose Malaysia’ event.

Attended by Minister of International Trade and Industry YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Source Malaysia Programme featured a business matching session for Malaysian companies with UK businesses. The business interest reported were mainly on products like LED screen, food paste, sauce, energy beverages, personal care, building materials (concrete slabs and steel tubes), biomass pallets, consultancy services and Islamic finance.

Complementing the event was an exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SME International Trade Association (SMITA) and Finpoint Limited. The MoU is on project funding assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises seeking greater market access in the UK, Europe and Middle East. Total funds available under this collaboration is GBP100 million.

According to MATRADE’s Market Access Senior Director, Madam Aureen Jean Nonis, the mission was participated by mostly SMEs and was targeted at enhancing the awareness on Malaysian capabilities among the UK business community. “UK and Malaysia has long established strong business connections and we need to sustain this relationship for the benefit of both nations,” she said.

This event was timely in efforts to drive bilateral trade between the two countries. In 2015, Malaysia’s total trade with the United Kingdom increased by 9.4% to reach RM16.45 billion. Exports expanded by 17.6% to RM9.32 billion while imports were valued at RM7.13 billion, making the UK Malaysia’s 17th largest trading partner.

“Malaysian companies must continue to establish strategic partnerships with the UK business community and leverage on the opportunities available under the first mover advantage following the announcement on Brexit,” Madam Aureen mentioned.

‘Choose Malaysia’ event is an international roadshow to promote Malaysia’s strengths in tourism, trade and investment. Following London, the event will take place in Shanghai and Sydney, in November and December respectively. Malaysian companies keen to know more on ‘Choose Malaysia’ in Shanghai and Sydney can email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The programme was mooted by the National Export Council, chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak. ‘Choose Malaysia’ event is in line with the National Blue Ocean Strategy that stresses on elimination of duplication and redundancy in efforts and sharing of resources by both public and private sector locally and abroad in promoting Malaysia’s trade, investment and tourism.