Press Releases 2017
Exploring Trade Opportunities in Bangladesh Through Showcase Malaysia 2017
TUESDAY, 16 MAY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: As an initiative to promote Malaysian exports to Bangladesh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has jointly organised a trade talk on Business Opportunities in Bangladesh with Persatuan Pengilang dan Industri Perkhidmatan Bumiputera Malaysia (PPIPBM) and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI), depicting the true spirit of public-private partnership. The event which was held today also supported by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia.
The objective of the event was to provide information to Malaysian companies on the trade and business opportunities available in Bangladesh. With the participation from PPIPBM, the event also served as a platform to increase Bumiputera's participation in exports. To complement their effort to penetrate the market, Malaysian companies were also invited to participate in the upcoming 5th Showcase Malaysia 2017 which will be organised by BMCCI. This biannual event will be organised from 21 – 23 September 2017 in International Convention City Bashundhara, Dhaka.
The Showcase will focus on several sectors such as furniture, education, power & energy, herbal products and food & beverage. BMCCI Past President & Chairman of Showcase Malaysia 2017 Organising Committee, Mr. Syed Moazzam Hossain and Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Khan, BMCCI Honorary Secretary General & Showcase Director, Organizing Committee of 5th Showcase Malaysia 2017 were present to brief on Showcase Malaysia 2017.
The main objective of Showcase Malaysia 2017 is to highlight Malaysia as a reliable and effective source of diversified products and services and create wider network between Malaysian and Bangladeshi business communities. This event is expected to attract Bangladeshi businessmen, professionals and visitors to see for themselves the merit of Malaysia as the preferred destination and source for higher education, healthcare, tourism, property investment, automobiles, construction services, building materials, oil & gas and banking & financial services.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh recorded healthy growth last year. In 2016, Bangladesh was the second largest trading partner within South Asian countries, overtaking Pakistan, and recorded a double digit growth of 33.1% from RM 4.46 billion in 2015 to RM 5.94 billion. Malaysia's exports to Bangladesh increased by 32.3% in 2016 valued at RM 5.15 billion. The major exported products are palm oil & palm-based agriculture products, petroleum products, chemicals & chemical products, machinery, equipment and parts.
Imports from Bangladesh have also recorded double digit growth of 39.4% valued at RM0.79 billion, contributed mainly by the import growth of textiles and apparels products. Textiles and apparel products contributed 75.7% of total import products. Trade balance is in Malaysia's favour amounting to RM4.36 billion, a growth of 30.9% from 2015.
MATRADE also encourages Malaysian companies to leverage on MATRADE's 47 international offices to understand the global markets and start exporting. Local companies that are keen to explore the South Asian market can contact MATRADE's Chennai and Mumbai offices by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
New Business Opportunities With Kazakhtan
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with the cooperation of The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Malaysia is organising a Business Forum with the theme New Business Opportunities in Kazakhstan. The delegation led by His Excellency Dalenov Ruslan Yerbolatovich, The First Vice-Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan and consists of senior officials from various ministries from Kazakhstan namely Ministry of National Economy, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Investments and Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also senior officials from other Kazakhstani government agencies.
The Forum is aimed to promote “Trade and Investment Opportunities with Kazakhstan†to officials from Malaysian government and business community by Kazakhstani representatives. The ultimate goal is to promote closer economic cooperation and comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
Trade between the two countries has the potential to grow to include a wider range of goods and services. In 2016, Kazakhstan was Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner, 4th largest export destination and 5th largest import sources among the 12 Commonwealth of Independent States [CIS] countries.
Total trade with Kazakhstan in 2016 rose by 36.1% to RM203.58 million compared to 2015. Malaysia’s export to Kazakhstan increased by 30.4% to RM180.81 million, while imports was recorded at RM22.77 million last year. For the period January–February 2017, Malaysia’s total trade with Kazakhstan amounted to RM48.07 million [US$10.80 million], an increase of 108.0% from the corresponding period in 2016. Export was valued at RM43.57 million [US$9.79 million], while import was at RM4.49 million or US$1.01 million.
There is obviously scope to expand more trade in terms of the range of goods and services to include more high value and high-tech products and services.
For more details on MATRADE and its programmes, please visit www.matrade.gov.my
Growing Malaysian Franchises in Spain and Beyond
THURSDAY, 27 APRIL, 2017 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the TSH Europe organised a seminar titled "Spain – Your Franchise Destination to EU Markets" at Menara MATRADE today. This is timely as the seminar highlighted the franchise opportunities for Malaysian franchises in Spain.
The seminar was aimed at enhancing the understanding on challenges, rules and regulations to start a franchise business in Spain. The speakers at the event elaborated on Economic Outlook in Spain, Current Trends & Growing Sector in Spanish Franchise market and the Legal Aspects of European Union regulations.
The franchise industry in Spain is growing at a strong pace with the total turnover amounted to EUR26.5 million featuring 1,232 brands. Among the top Spanish brands include Dia, Mango, Fotoprix, Naturhouse, Telepizza and MRW.
There are a lot of business opportunities for Malaysian companies to collaborate with Spanish companies. Among the focus sectors include personal care, fashion accessories, fast food, hospitality, online business, education and business advisory.
Spain is a member of the European Union and has a population of 46.8 million people. It has an outstanding position worldwide in terms of the importance of its economy. Spain is the World's 14th-largest economy and one of the most attractive domestic markets in Europe - being the 5th-largest economy in the EU with a GDP worth USD 1.2 trillion. The Spanish economy has grown strongly in 2016, led by domestic demand spurred by monetary policy in the Euro area and a fiscal stimulus.
Malaysian companies can leverage on Spain as a gateway to enter the European markets and Latin America too. The franchise market in Latin America comprises 5,500 brands which constitute 5 percent of the Latin America's GDP. The largest markets in Latin America include Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.
In 2016, Malaysia's total trade with Spain amounted to RM4.43 billion. Malaysia's exports to Spain valued at RM2.33 billion, while imports were totalled at RM2.10 billion.
Major exports to Spain were palm oil & palm based products, chemicals & chemical products, rubber products, machinery, equipment & parts and electrical and electronic products. Major imports from Spain were iron & steel products, chemicals & chemical products, machinery, equipment & parts, electrical & electronic products and textiles, apparels & footwear.
In the period of January to February 2017, Malaysia's total trade with Spain amounted to RM794.5 million with exports valued at RM387.6 million and imports were RM406.9 million.
MATRADE encourages Malaysian companies that are keen to expand their export market to Spain to contact MATRADE's Milan office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Any enquiries on MATRADE's future training and other capacity building programmes, Malaysian companies can email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MATRADE Explores Export Opportunities in The Oil and Gas Sector
SATURDAY, 29 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: For the six consecutive years, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) will coordinate the participation of Malaysian companies at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2017 in Houston, USA from 1 to 4 May 2017.
This year, 16 Malaysian companies from the oil and gas sector comprising mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations including PETRONAS will be participating in the largest oil and gas trade exhibition, expected to attract over 80,000 oil and gas leaders and experts from around the world. The objective of Malaysian company's participation is to showcase capabilities and innovation as well as to look for global business partners among the attendees from nearly 40 countries. Malaysia Pavilion will highlight the theme of "Choose Malaysia: Your Oil & Gas Partner in Asia" in OTC Houston 2017.
Among the products and services being promoted include fittings & flanges, drilling equipment, heat recovery systems, fabrication & repair services, health, safety and environmental consulting services, freight and logistics services, third party engineering inspection and non-destructive testing services.
"Malaysian companies are encouraged to come out with high innovative products, services and technology that can add value in order to be successful in the highly competitive industry especially in the current persistent environment of low-priced oil," said Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MATRADE.
Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen who is leading the Malaysian delegation added "Despite the decline in oil prices for the past few years, MATRADE and MPRC believe that with the capabilities of our companies, Malaysia can maintain its global competitiveness in the oil and gas industry. Malaysian government will continue to push and give full assistance to bring Malaysia's oil & gas technology and expertise to the world."
MPRC's Vice President for Trade and Investment, Ahmad Azwan Ahmad Shukor stated that "One of our key focus areas is to promote Malaysian capabilities in international markets, in addition to enhancing Malaysia's position as the preferred hub for Oil & Gas, Services and Equipment (OGSE) activities in Asia Pacific. A conference like OTC Houston is an effective platform for Malaysian OGSE firms to gain exposure, develop strategic partnerships with foreign OGSE companies and MNCs and assist in potential business ventures in Asia Pacific."
PETRONAS' participation comes as Malaysia is gearing up to host the 2018 edition of OTC Asia, the region's anchor oil and gas technology conference. To kick off promotional activities for OTC Asia 2018 which is in its 3rd edition, the biennial conference and exhibition will be officiated by PETRONAS' Senior Vice President for Project Delivery and Technology, Mazuin Ismail during OTC Houston 2017.
In 2016, Malaysia's total trade to the United States of America (USA) valued at US$32.78 billion where exports stood at US$19.36 billion and imports, US$13.42 billion. Malaysia's exports of oil & gas products to the USA were valued at US$122.1 million, an increase of 53.8% over 2015. The major products exported were crude petroleum oils, fuel oils and jet-fuel. Other oil & gas related products exported includes pipe fittings, tubes, hoses, valves and wellhead christmas tree amounted to US$156.2 million.
Local companies in the oil and gas sector keen to explore the US market can contact MATRADE's offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or they could email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Local SMEs Urged to Take Part in Export
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) through its export brand awareness campaign called Beyond Nations is urging Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to integrate export in their business operations, following a relatively low contribution in export by the SMEs despite making up 97.3 per cent of business establishments in Malaysia.
Currently, the export contribution among SMEs stood at 17.8 per cent and this figure is set to rise to 23 per cent by year 2020, according to the SME Masterplan. Additionally, the role of SMEs is crucial to the economy and social development as they contribute to nearly 36 per cent of the Malaysia's Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 65 per cent of the country's employment.
According to MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, SMEs have to take part in export to ensure the sustenance of their business, especially when Malaysia is driving the agenda of globalisation. "Despite the huge number of SMEs (over 900,000), most still do not include export in their business. There is an abundance of business opportunities overseas. ASEAN alone, our closest neighbour, has a market of 625 million people. China, which is our biggest trading partner has a market of 1.4 billion people and India, our emerging trading partner, has a market size of 1.3 billion people. Not to mention the other big markets such as the USA, Latin America, Europe and Africa – all of which offer billions of consumer database for our SMEs," he said at the Beyond Nations Public Contest prize-giving ceremony held at Menara MATRADE today.
MATRADE through its registry has over 19,000 registered members who are manufacturers, service providers, trading companies, contract manufacturers, trade associations as well as co-operatives, and 48 per cent are exporting. "We would like to invite all Malaysian SMEs to register as a MATRADE member to be the first to know the latest programmes by MATRADE and to be updated with export opportunities from around the world," Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen said. He added that MATRADE's 47 global trade offices will also be able to help link local SMEs with potential business partners from over 6 continents.
"The international buyers find our brands interesting and unique. They appreciate our local values and find them a good business proposition to attracting buyers in their respective market. Around the world, out of over 200 nations, Malaysia is the world's top 23 exporting nation and top 24 trading nation. That is impressive for a small country like Malaysia with a population of 30 million people, and proof that Malaysian companies have what it takes to compete globally," Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen mentioned.
MATRADE as Malaysia's export promotion agency offers exporters development programmes and organise export promotion activities. The former helps to build companies' capacity in export while the later provides access to market and global business networks. The agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) works hand-in-hand with other MITI agencies such as SME Corp, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and SME Bank to execute its initiatives.
The Beyond Nations brand awareness campaign was launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak in September 2016 with the aim of creating a stronger awareness on export and making export a common business value for all SMEs. "It functions to promote the inspiration and aspiration of going beyond borders, beyond the local SMEs' mindset and to breakthrough out of their comfort zone into a vast overseas market; simply by taking a first step, going beyond Malaysia and eventually beyond nations," Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen shared.
MATRADE has recently introduced a public contest with the objective of engaging with the community where the public had the opportunity to nominate Malaysian brands or companies they think could excel in export. Six winners have been selected and are being celebrated at the prize-giving ceremony.
The event also features Malaysian companies - Selia-Tek Sdn Bhd, AETINS Sdn Bhd and NCL Solutions Sdn Bhd - that have succeeded in export. These export champions shared their success stories to the companies nominated by the winners, in a bid to inspire them to follow in their footsteps. The export champs are also the contest's strategic partners, along with Petronas Dagangan Berhad.
For more details on the Beyond Nations campaign, please visit www.beyondnations.com.my or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
