Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

TUESDAY, 13 JUNE 2023: KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and multi-award-winning data technology market leader Fusionex have officially unveiled a revolutionary MATRADE Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), an AI-powered trade platform that aims to maximise Malaysia’s export potential and assist local SMEs expand their businesses globally.

MDTP serves as a centralised global trade gateway that offers a suite of technologies, tools and services to simplify international trade processes, digitalised local businesses, and connect Malaysian exporters with international buyers and partners.

Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the trade platform enables its member to showcase their offerings, facilitate virtual and hybrid events as well as accelerate business transaction with global buyers and partners. This aligns with MATRADE’s mission to promote Malaysian enterprises to the world. MDTP is the catalyst for the digitalisation adaptation of Malaysia's MSMEs and the delivery of MATRADE services in strengthening the business ecosystem towards the sustainability of the country's exports

“Today, marks the outcome of the strategic collaboration with our technology partner, Fusionex Group in launching MDTP – a platform that will further enhance MATRADE’s deliverable to our stakeholders,” he added.   

By partnering with Fusionex to launch MDTP, MATRADE leverages over 30 years of robust expertise in global trade. MDTP connects and interfaces with a smart trade facilitation hub that simplifies complex trade procedures, reduces costs and expedites the movement of goods.

MDTP has already welcomed numerous Malaysian businesses, ranging from large corporations to SMEs, as well as international buyers from China, Japan, Korea, the US, the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, Dubai, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

The businesses from these countries span diverse sectors, including franchising, oil and gas, palm oil, commodities, materials, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and cosmetics, information and communication technology, and more. Such variety enables Malaysian and foreign enterprises to find suitable business matches on the platform

MDTP has also formed strategic partnerships with key ASEAN markets, associations, state governments, international marketplaces and leading financial, insurance and logistics partners to empower MDTP members to explore global trade opportunities.

At present, MDTP has more than 1,200 members enrolled onto the digital platform, and this figure is anticipated to surge, driving the platform’s growth.

Datuk Mohd Mustafa said the agency will continuously embrace the public private partnership (PPP) in driving Malaysian exports to remain relevant and competitive in the global arena.

“I am glad to witness the positive progress of this project that marks MATRADE’s realisation of digitalisation initiatives in export promotions. I believe that MDTP will act as the catalyst for exporters’ development and promotional activities including cross-border eCommerce that will benefit the Malaysian business community, particularly the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” he said.

Datuk Mohd Mustafa emphasised that MATRADE would also be looking for more ways to enable Malaysian businesses to be global players through digitalisation, hence would strengthen the country's trade.

Powered by Fusionex, MDTP utilised cutting-edge AI and advanced analytics to monitor, measure, and manage export revenue, trend analysis, marketing campaigns and sales activities. This empowers participating companies to make informed strategic decisions. The AI-driven business matchmaking algorithms eliminate guesswork, allowing MDTP members to identify and secure meetings with credible entities that align with their business requirements.

MATRADE and Fusionex have established a series of handholding programs to help Malaysian SMEs kick start their global trade activities. This programme includes business assessment, training and certification, financial assistance, cross-border eCommerce platform, and virtual engagement activities. Together, both parties aim to guide local businesses throughout their export journey, ensuring they are fully prepared and equipped to make an appearance on the global stage.

Fusionex Group CEO, Dato' Seri Ivan Teh expressed the group unwavering commitment to supporting MATRADE in realizing digital transformation in trade and propelling the efforts towards globalisation through MDTP. 

"We are honoured to join forces with MATRADE as this collaboration highlights the strength of strategic partnerships in accelerating and boosting international trade for Malaysian businesses. By establishing a digital gateway that connects Malaysia to the rest of the world, MDTP will help advance the country’s economy and achieve our goal of becoming a digitally-driven, high-income nation,” he added.