Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017, SHAH ALAM: With 2017 nearing its end, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) took the opportunity to organise a Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) outreach initiative or turun padang session to Kawan Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Bodibasixs Manufacturing Sdn Bhd. The initiative was aimed at gathering valuable insights on the Mid-Tier Companies’ (MTCs) operations, export opportunities and challenges in embracing 2018.

As part the Government’s continuous support for Malaysian MTCs, the turun padang visit was led by YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (MITI) Deputy Minister (Trade). The event served as an avenue for MITI and its agency MATRADE to better understand the MTCs needs in crafting better facilitation for their export venture.

During the visit, the delegation from MITI and MATRADE spent a few hours visiting the companies’ factories where they were able to get first-hand experience on the companies’ business processes and capacity.

MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh said the visit is an important effort to not only engage with industry players but to understand the companies’ core business aspirations. “By doing so, we will get to identify the opportunity for them in the global supply chain. Such effort is key to further develop the strength of the programme and ultimately this will positively impact the MTCs exports performance,” she said.

Since the inception of the MTCDP in 2014, a total of 173 MTCs from various sectors have benefitted from the 9-month programme. In 2016, the total exports recorded for 152 graduated MTCs were RM6.82 billion, compared to RM6.18 billion generated in 2015. The combined yearly growth of the MTCs is 10.41 per cent.
In Malaysia, MTCs account for one per cent of Malaysian business establishments, but they contribute 30% to Malaysia’s GDP and employ over 22% of the total workforce. MATRADE, through its MTCDP aims to further push the contribution of Malaysian MTCs by providing them customised assistance, that befits their unique business set up.

The MTCs in MTCDP are exporting companies with annual revenues between RM50 million to RM500 million (manufacturing) and between RM20 million to RM500 million (services).

Upon completing the MTCDP, the companies will be absorbed into the Ramp-Up Programme where they undergo a two-year extension programme to intensify their market access and export capabilities in new and existing key potential markets. This is achieved through Market Immersion Missions and Customised Business Matchmaking.

Graduates of MTCDP will also be automatically enrolled as members of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC). The MCMTC was launched by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry on 1 November 2017, and aims to promote MTCs’ sustainable growth by capitalising on strategic alliances. The MCMTC also acts as a platform for MTCs to network, exchange, and generate ideas as well as solutions to solving business issues.

THURSDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Menara MATRADE was abuzz with the attendance of over 300 Malaysian companies who came to gather insights on exporting to China. The forum, focusing on CASTPP Platform, was jointly organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), China Guangxi Qinzhou Free Trade Port Administration Area (QGFTPA) and ICBC (Malaysia).

The Business Forum highlighted the benefits and opportunities offered by the CASTPP, Belt & Road Initiative and Trade Financing as well as market knowledge on China. The forum was graced by YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (Trade), Ir. Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Madam Shi Ziming, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia and Mr. Wang Qiang, CEO of ICBC (Malaysia) Berhad.

Apart from the forum, a product sourcing session was arranged for 20 buyers from China with 25 Malaysian suppliers from food industry.

CASTPP is a platform jointly initiated by Guangxi Qinzhou Free Trade Port Area and Guangxi China-ASEAN Panorama Magazine Agency, that was launched by YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Deputy Minister of the Minister of International Trade and Industry (Trade), in December 2016 at MATRADE. The inception of CASTPP was supported by MATRADE as one of the initiatives to drive exports to China.

CASTPP provides online and offline platform to facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) exports venture to China. The platform offers a one-stop solution for customs clearance for SMEs when exporting to China. To date, five Malaysian companies have successfully exported products valued at RM1 million through the CASTPP platform.

Malaysia’s trade with China in January-October 2017 expanded by 24.1% to RM237.96 billion compared with the same period in 2016. Exports to China surged by 33.5% to RM103.32 billion, due to higher exports of Electrical & Electronics products, petroleum products, LNG, chemicals and chemical products as well as rubber products. Imports from China increased by 17.8% to RM134.64 billion.

MATRADE as Malaysia’s export promotion agency offers various facilitation for Malaysian companies in areas such as market intelligence and trade advisory as well as export promotion and capacity building programmes. The agency, under Ministry of International Trade and Industry, has 46 trade offices around the world of which four are in China - Beijing (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Guangzhou (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Shanghai
(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Chengdu (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Hong Kong
( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

KHAMIS, 14 DISEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) menzahirkan sokongan terhadap inisiatif pencegahan rasuah dengan melafaz dan menandatangani Ikrar Bebas Rasuah (IBR) dalam satu majlis yang diadakan di Menara MATRADE hari ini. Acara tersebut disaksikan oleh Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).

Lafaz serta tandatangan IBR yang diketuai oleh Pengerusi MATRADE, YB. Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad dijalankan dengan kehadiran Ahli Lembaga Pegarah MATRADE, Pengurusan Kanan MATRADE dan disaksikan oleh YBhg. Dato’ Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Pencegahan) SPRM.

IBR yang ditandatangani adalah sebagai janji dan komitmen MATRADE untuk bersama-sama memerangi rasuah dan salah guna kuasa bagi mewujudkan sebuah organisasi yang mempunyai tadbir urus yang baik.
Menurut YB. Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad, “MATRADE sudah lama mempraktikkan langkah-langkah untuk mencegah rasuah di kalangan kakitangannya melalui aktiviti-aktiviti seperti ceramah kesedaran, penyampaian informasi cegah rasuah secara mingguan, membangunkan polisi pemberi maklumat dan pelaksanaan polisi ‘No Gift Policy’.”

“Majlis pada hari ini adalah bertepatan dengan fungsi MATRADE sebagai organisasi yang setiap hari berurusan dengan pelanggan-pelanggan dari dalam dan luar negara dalam menghadapi persekitaran yang semakin mencabar,” tambah beliau.

Menjurus kepada inisiatif ini, MATRADE akan meneruskan segala usahanya dalam merancakkan lagi prestasi perdagangan Malaysia dengan mengaplikasikan langkah-langkah tadbir urus yang efektif, dipandu oleh prinsip pencegahan rasuah.

KHAMIS, 7 DISEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita UMNO dan Woman at Work dengan kerjasama Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) menganjurkan "Pameran Wanita Kreatif 2017" bersempena dengan Perhimpunan Agung UMNO 2017. Pameran ini berlangsung di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur bermula dari 5 hingga 9 Disember 2017.

Pameran ini bertujuan untuk mengenengahkan potensi perniagaan yang dimiliki oleh usahawan wanita dari seluruh Malaysia. Selain segmen pameran, beberapa aktiviti seperti sesi bicara niaga, sesi perkongsian kejayaan oleh syarikat Malaysia, tutorial, sesi rangkaian perniagaan, penampilan selebriti serta persembahan kebudayaan turut dijayakan bersama kerjasama agensi-agensi seperti Istana Budaya dan Badan Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah. Sebanyak 16 pempamer dari negeri-negeri di Malaysia termasuk Sabah dan Sarawak (13 gerai) dan selebriti tempatan (3 gerai) telah mengambil bahagian dalam acara ini.

Dirasmikan YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa & Industri (MTI), pameran ini turut memberi penekanan kepada pameran seni kreatif tempatan seperti seni manik, jahitan baju tradisional dan batik.

Menurut YB Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Pengerusi MATRADE, “Pameran ini bertujuan menampilkan bakat keusahawanan usahawan wanita dari negeri-negeri di Malaysia selain memberi pendedahan kepada kepentingan pembangunan kapasiti bagi usahawan-usahawan ini dalam mempersiapkan diri ke arena global.”

MATRADE, sebagai agensi promosi perdagangan Malaysia, mempunyai pelbagai fasilitasi untuk membantu syarikat-syarikat milikan wanita Malaysia berjaya di peringkat antarabangsa antaranya melalui Program Pembangunan Pengeksport Wanita (WEDP). Program ini telah membantu PKS wanita melalui aktiviti pemupukan dan bimbingan khusus dalam eksport.

Program WEDP merupakan program bimbingan tiga tahun yang berfokus kepada peningkatan pengetahuan dan kemahiran mengeksport buat syarikat milikan wanita. Sejak pengenalan Program WEDP, sejumlah 120 syarikat milik wanita telah mendapat manfaat daripada program ini. Syarikat-syarikat ini yang terdiri daripada sektor makanan dan minuman, gaya hidup, ICT dan E&E, minyak dan gas serta farmaseutikal berjaya mengakses pasaran seperti ASEAN, Amerika Syarikat, China, Oman dan Qatar.

TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: A mission spearheaded by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to promote Malaysian companies in the aerospace industry took place from 12 to 16 November 2017 in conjunction with Dubai Airshow 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission saw 10 Malaysian companies raking in potential sales valued at RM165.25 million.

The mission, called Export Acceleration Mission (EAM), was aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s position as the aerospace industry hub in Asia Pacific and to explore business opportunities for Malaysian companies through collaboration with international aerospace Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors. The Malaysian expertise promoted at the EAM were engineering services, composite manufacturing, navigation and integration system, precision parts and components, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, human resource development and training.

The initiative was organised in an effort to boost the exports contribution from the local aerospace industry players. In the first nine months of 2017, aircraft and associated equipment generated the biggest exports contribution for the aerospace industry with a value of RM6.21 billion, recording a staggering increment of 51.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to Madam Yuslinawati Mohd Yusof, Director of Transport and Logistics Section, MATRADE, the promotion of Malaysia’s aerospace industry is in line with the Government’s aspiration to accelerate the performance of high-value sectors in Malaysia. The aerospace industry has been identified as one of the key industries to push for this agenda. The aerospace industry was also identified as one of the catalytic sub-sector in the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP).

“Malaysia has all the necessary ingredients to be a strong aerospace nation, equipped with world class infrastructure such as KLIA Aeropolis, Senai Airport Aviation Park and UMW Serendah High Value Manufacturing Park,” she said.

“Currently, Malaysia is home to more than 200 aerospace companies, who play a pivotal role in developing local supply chain,” she added.

In the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint, Malaysia is poised to be the number one aerospace centre in the South East Asia region. The industry is an integral part of the global economy and by the year 2030, the industry is set to generate an annual revenue of RM55.2 billion and create more than 32,000 high income jobs in Malaysia.

Dubai Airshow 2017 is one of the largest and well-known airshows in the world, bringing together industry players from all corners of the world.  Malaysia’s participation not only allowed local companies to tap into the opportunities in the Middle East region but in other parts of the world too.

During the EAM, MATRADE coordinated more than a hundred business meetings and networking sessions for the Malaysian companies with potential UAE’s and international aerospace companies. The meetings included the involvement of consortiums and trade associations and has served as a good platform for Malaysian aerospace industry players to connect with international buyers.

One of the participants, UMW Development, said that they were able engage with aerospace players among who included Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and support service providers (logistics, tooling and others). This has opened up the doors for them to discuss partnerships and investment opportunities.

Other companies such as D'viation Solution was able to connect with potential partners in the MRO sector, training for skilled aviation personnel and R&D in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) for advanced MRO. The company will also be signing an MoU on aviation training, a deal which value is estimated at RM5 million.

Malaysian companies in keen to venture abroad are urged to contact MATRADE by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and leverage on its 47 global trade offices around the world. The trade offices will provide strategic linkages for the local companies to connect with international buyers and partners in capturing global market shares.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS) collaborated to promote a stronger global entrepreneurship culture among Malaysian youth-owned businesses by organising Youth Biz-Talk at Menara MATRADE today.

The event was aimed at cultivating interest in international trade among Malaysian youths and was attended by 400 participants from Institut Latihan Kemahiran Belia & Sukan (ILKBS) students, start-ups, scale-ups and high performance young entrepreneurs. The event was officiated by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, YB Brig. General Khairy Jamaluddin. Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry YB Datuk Chua Tee Yong and MATRADE’s Chairman YB Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad.

The joint initiative reflected a good synergy between MATRADE and KBS in ramping up efforts to enhance youth engagement in exports. The event was in line with the Government’s aspiration to expand the pool of exporters from Malaysia in order to increase Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribution from the current share of 18.6 per cent to 23 per cent by 2020 as stipulated in the SME Masterplan.

The Youth Biz-Talk featured talks on various key trade topics such as on funding, training and MATRADE’s services as well as the launch of Youth Entrepreneurial Network (YEN) Portal and the launch of KBS Entrepreneur Pavilion. The event also complemented MATRADE’s Youth Exporters Development Programme (YEDP). The YEDP programme is a hand-holding programme designed to provide assistance to youth-owned SMEs. Through the programme, the companies will be assessed in terms of export capabilities and readiness, management and financial capacity.

The highlights of the event were the launches of the YEN Portal and the KBS Entrepreneur Pavilion. The former was introduced to serve as a one-stop center for promising and existing youth entrepreneurs to access information on funding, training provided by various government and private agencies, business networks and guidance for starting a business as well as ensuring their business sustainability.

The latter - KBS Entrepreneur Pavilion - was launched at Malaysia’s renowned and only permanent display centre, MATRADE Export Exhibition Centre (MEEC). The initiative will provide a platform for youth companies particularly Bumiputera to promote their brands to overseas buyers engaging with MATRADE. The 100 sq metres KBS Entrepreneur Pavilion will showcase products from eight youth entrepreneurs from the services sector for a period of one year. The display of these products will complement the other 452 established Malaysian brands from over 30 sectors housed at the 4,500 square metres centre, ultimately providing global exposure to the selected companies.

MEEC is an excellent solution for sourcing needs as trade visitors can avail themselves to information on local brands. Apart from being a comprehensive exhibition centre, MEEC also provides sourcing solutions by facilitating trade enquiries and arranging business matchings for Malaysian companies through MATRADE’s International Sourcing Programme on a complimentary basis.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be spearheading an initiative to promote Malaysian Oil & Gas capabilities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and its neighbouring regions at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) from 12 to 16 November 2017. The mission - executed through MATRADE’s signature programme, Export Acceleration Mission - will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

This year’s participation will mark MATRADE’s fourth involvement in the event where ten Malaysian companies are all set to present their high-quality and innovative products and services to over 100,000 trade professionals from 135 different countries. The Malaysian delegates at ADIPEC this year represent various oil & gas sectors, with many offering world-class capabilities in areas such as radiological services, laboratory services, fabrication of oil & gas process equipment, engineering services, engineering solutions, containerised solutions, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) as well as feasibility and conceptual studies. Others include environmental consultations, pipeline inspection and cleaning services, supply of construction steel materials for oil & gas sector and intelligent drilling tools. Last year, Malaysian companies at ADIPEC had a successful showing, raking in total sales valued at RM397.32 million.

Apart from taking part in ADIPEC’s exhibition component, the Malaysian companies will also be meeting potential buyers through pre-arranged business meetings organised by MATRADE. According to MATRADE’s Director of Oil, Gas, Chemicals and Energy Director Mr Kua Kiat Chye, the business matching platform serves as an effective channel for Malaysian companies to connect directly with international businesses in exploring untapped trade opportunities in the Middle East, its neighbouring areas and Europe too.

“MATRADE has more than two decades of experience in coordinating effective business matching sessions for Malaysian business and foreign buyers. For the past four years, we have seen the impact of ADIPEC to our local companies as many of them were able to secure business deals, thanks to the thorough coordination by MATRADE,” he said.
One of the mission’s highlights this year is the opportunity for MASTEK Oil Tools, one of the Malaysian companies participating in ADIPEC, to present a paper on their innovative product at a technical talk session titled “Production Facilities Technologies – Maximising Asset Integrity through Innovation”. The company was handpicked by the ADIPEC’s organiser, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Moving forward, MATRADE aims to continue promoting, advancing and improving market access for Malaysian oil & gas companies to key markets like the GCC, despite the current challenging economic landscape. The agency, under Ministry of International Trade and Industry, has identified a potential growth within the GCC region. Last year, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) through Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) unveiled its 2030 Strategy and Five Year Business Plan. The strategy targets to increase crude oil production capacity to 3.5 million bpd by 2018, in addition to growing petrochemicals production to 11.4 mtpa by 2025. Recently, ADNOC announced its latest phase of transformation to move towards a more commercially focused and performance-driven entity, consolidating its existing subsidiaries and joint ventures under the unified ADNOC brand.

“This will create a lot of new business opportunities for Malaysian companies and local players must be strategic in their approach to remain relevant and ahead of the game,” Kua said.

MATRADE as Malaysia’s export promotion agency is dedicated to advance exports and build global brands from Malaysia. Malaysian companies wishing to export are advised to contact MATRADE’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur or any of its 47 international trade offices around the world for assistance. For more details email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR:  Malaysia’s sole trade promotion agency Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) calls upon Malaysian cosmetics industry to venture into China and profit from the booming demand there.

The message was shared at a seminar, “Connect with China’s Beauty Market”, held at Menara MATRADE today. The seminar was jointly organised with Informa Exhibitions and Malaysia Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry Group under the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

Apart from encouraging Malaysian companies’ participation in China Beauty Expo (CBE) in Shanghai, China from 19-21 March 2018, the seminar aimed to provide insights on China’s cosmetics and beauty market. The topics highlighted during the seminar were on the Cosmetics Market and Trends in China, Cosmetics Registration Procedures in China as well as the Future of Halal Beauty Brands in Asia – all delivered by speakers from China’s industry experts.

In 2016, China ranked as 23rd biggest market for Malaysia’s exports cosmetics, with a value of RM7.6 million and accounting for 0.6 per cent share of Malaysia’s total exports of cosmetics. According to MATRADE’s Director of Lifestyle, Life Sciences and Medical Devices section Mr Abu Bakar Yusof, the exports of cosmetics and beauty products to China are still relatively small. “The event held today is timely in encouraging Malaysian companies to include China in their business expansion plan. The seminar today will help companies identify appropriate methods and platforms for them to make inroads into the China cosmetics and beauty market,” he said.

According to the data by Euromonitor reported by Hong Kong Trade Development Centre, the cosmetics sector on the Chinese mainland has been growing in tandem with the development of the Chinese economy in recent years. For example, the total retail sales of skincare products and make-up products in China have reached RMB169.1 billion (RM107.96 billion) and RMB28.3 billion (RM18.06 billion) respectively in 2016, achieving year-on-year growth of 5 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. This is indicative of the potential the market has to offer to the Malaysian industry players.

Malaysian cosmetics and beauty industry has the potential to increase Malaysia’s total trade performance. In 2016, Malaysia’s total exports of cosmetics amounted to RM1.25 billion, an increase of 1.4 per cent as compared to 2015. Major exports included cosmetics and make-up, valued at RM513 million, with a share of 40.9 per cent, followed by toiletries (RM374.6 million; 29.9% share) as well as preparations for hair (RM169.6 million; 13.5% share). In the first eight months of 2017, Malaysia’s total exports of cosmetics were valued at RM796.9 million.

Apart from participating in trade fairs such as CBE, Malaysian companies are also advised to build their exporting capacity by participating MATRADE’s exporters development programmes such as Go-Ex and eTRADE. The former facilitates Malaysian companies’ market immersion through exposures in trade activities whilst the latter aims to ease companies’ market access through digital platforms. For more details, go to www.matrade.gov.my.

WEDNESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) continues to push the growth of Malaysian Mid-Tier companies (MTCs) to be the key industry players to driving international trade, given its strength in capacity and readiness in export. The message was what transpired during the Mid-Tier Companies Business Conference held at Menara MATRADE today.

With the theme “Beyond All Limits’, the conference was attended by more than 150 MTCs from various sectors such as Electrical & Electronics (E&E), Information, Communication & Technology (ICT) and Food & Beverages, among others. The highlights of the conference included experience-sharing session by the CEOs of LH Plus, Cape EMS, Asturi Metal Builders, Upstream Downstream and Perfect Food Manufacturing. The CEOs shared their real life experience in facing export challenges before achieving their global success. Market and industry-focus talks also took place featuring sessions by financial and business experts from Ekuinas, OCBC Bank, UOB Bank, Steinbeis Malaysia and PwC Malaysia.

During the conference, the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC) was also launched by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry. The MCMTC is a private-led initiative aims at promoting MTCs sustainable growth amidst competitive global economic landscape by capitalising strategic alliances. The MCMTC was also the co-organiser of the conference.

The President of the MCMTC, Mr Callum Chen from LH Plus Sdn Bhd noted that that all local MTCs are eligible to be part of the MCMTC. “By being part of the group, MTCs will get to widen their business opportunities abroad, in both trade and investment,” he said.

The conference and the MCMTC complement MATRADE’s signature capacity building programme called Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) which is designed to boost Malaysian MTCs ability and agility to compete in the global markets. Currently a total of 173 companies from multiple sectors such as E&E, ICT, automotive parts and components, plastics, franchise, oil & gas and processed food have participated in the programme. MTCs are companies with annual revenue of between RM50 million to RM500 million in the manufacturing sector and RM20 million to RM500 million in the services sector.

According to MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh, MTCs play a pivotal role to the Malaysian economy. “MTCs account for 1 percent of business establishments in Malaysia but their contribution to our GDP is 30 percent. The MTCs also generate 22 percent of job opportunities for the country,” she mentioned.

In 2016, the total export revenue of 152 MTCs grew by 10.41 per cent to reach RM6.82 billion, compared to RM6.18 billion in 2015. This year, 21 MTCs have been recruited to be part of the programme’s Wave 4 and are now completing the 9-month programme.

MATRADE is currently recruiting participants for MTCDP’s Wave 5, which is scheduled to commence in 2018. Interested companies are encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is optimistic that the Budget 2018 announced today will provide the right impetus to increase the participation of Malaysian companies in international trade. The Budget’s policy intent of strengthening MATRADE’s export promotion and export development initiatives will further strengthen Malaysia’s external trade performance.

The budget of RM150 million allocated for MATRADE, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and SME Corp. will be channeled to enhance companies’ market expansion through export promotion activities including for the Market Development Grant (MDG). These export promotion activities will be focused in key markets where Malaysia has Free Trade Agreements with and markets with high demand for Malaysian exports especially in sectors such as Furniture, Electrical & Electronics, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Oil and Gas, Food & Beverage (F&B), Construction and others.

In providing financial support for Malaysian companies, RM200 million of credit facility for export will be provided by EXIM Bank to local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and RM1 billion is allocated for credit insurance for companies. The loan facility amounting RM100 million with 70 percent Government surety to encourage automation among the local furniture companies will definitely boost production for export.

In addition, the budget will also be utilised to enhance the development of Malaysian companies through programmes such as Go-Ex, Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP), Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) and eTRADE Programme.

“It is imperative that the Malaysian exporters community continue to receive strong support from the Malaysian Government through both export promotion and exporters development activities. The Budget announced today will support MATRADE’s continuous efforts in strengthening Malaysia’s trade balance,” said MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros.

“The share of exports in Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) currently stands at 67.7 percent, indicating external trade’s importance to Malaysia’s economy. As such the support to ramp up export-based programmes will ensure we get to sustain Malaysia’s competitiveness globally,” he added.

MATRADE’s initiatives will also be complemented by zero-cost programmes organised in collaboration between MATRADE and other agencies, private sector, business chambers, business councils and trade associations. MATRADE, as Malaysia’s only trade promotion agency under Ministry of International Trade and Industry, will continue adopting smart partnerships so it can facilitate more Malaysian businesses to venture abroad without depending on budget allocation.

In an effort to encourage export among beginner-level and mid-level SMEs, strong emphasis will be put into promoting market access through digital platform by maximizing the potential of the eTRADE Programme. The programme is designed to accelerate Malaysian exporters’ market access by getting them onboard leading global eMarketplaces such as Alibaba.com, eBay.com, Amazon.com, TradeIndia.com, Aladdin.com. and Matahari.com.

As for encouraging more export sales, MATRADE aims to build up industry’s export strength in high-value sectors such as aerospace, petrochemical, automotive parts & components, E&E, ICT, medical tourism and construction services through policy intervention developed by the National Export Council chaired by the Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak. The budget will also lead to more export promotion programmes overseas that will be coordinated by MATRADE’s 47 trade offices in major cities around the world.

In first eight months of 2017 (Jan – Aug 2017), there was unprecedented growth in Malaysia’s trade. Growth has exceeded 20 percent every single month of the year, except for January and June. Malaysia’s total trade breached the RM1 trillion mark in July this year as opposed to September last year. The trade surplus has also been healthy, increasing to RM60.84 billion for the first eight months of 2017. In the same period last year, it stood at RM52.47 billion. This year we are likely to see a slight increase in the trade surplus compared to RM88.15 billion in the whole of last year.

Moving forward, MATRADE will continue to develop strategies that take into consideration the change of global economic landscape in maintaining Malaysia’s healthy trade growth. The strategies will be based on opportunities gained through digitalisation, Industry 4.0, Big Data and technological advancement. “In embracing 2018, MATRADE encourages more players from service oriented and high-technology industries such as aerospace, creative sector and engineering services to internationalise its business. This will be the determinant that diversifies Malaysia‘s capability, beyond traditional industries such as Food & Beverages,” Dr. Shahreen said.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) spearheaded Malaysian companies' participation in ANUGA 2017 trade fair held in Cologne, Germany recently as an effort to promote local innovative Food & Beverages (F&B) products to the European markets.

The event, which took place from 7 to 11 October 2017, involved 34 Malaysian exporters, who under the Malaysia Pavilion, showcased their innovative and award winning products to 6,500 potential business partners from over 100 countries and to more than 160,000 trade visitors from 180 countries. The participation not only allowed local companies to present their latest offerings but provided a platform for Malaysian companies to gather various information on global trends particularly on taste, preference and lifestyles of consumers from around the world, especially Europe.

According to Mr Badrul Hisham Hilal, MATRADE Frankfurt’s Trade Commissioner, Germany is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the EU and MATRADE is optimistic that the continued participation in trade fairs around the region will facilitate Malaysian exporters’ F&B exports to the EU. “The increasing consumer awareness in nutrition value and healthcare has created a demand for functional food, healthy processed food and organic food in the European continent. These are the areas our exporters can capitalise on when exporting F&B to Europe.”

Apart from the exhibition, MATRADE has also coordinated more than 400 business meetings for Malaysian companies to meet up with importers, distributors and wholesalers from many parts of the world.
MATRADE’s Chairman, YB Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad who attended ANUGA 2017 to support Malaysian companies’ presence at the event said, “Malaysia is known to manufacture products made with high quality ingredients, developed under strict quality control within a hygienic environment to ensure the products’ quality and safety. This is Malaysia’s strongest selling point.” She added that MATRADE has also leveraged on the platform to promote its signature Halal trade fair, Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), that is scheduled for April 2018.

The 5-day show concluded with Malaysian exhibitors reaping an impressive RM71.7 million worth of sales, an increase of 5.8 per cent from RM67.77 million through the participation in 2015. Among the products that recorded the highest sales this year were confectionery, beverages, coconut & cocoa products, palm oil products and instant noodles. Apart from that, the exhibitors have also received enquiries from foreign buyers from The Netherlands, Turkey, China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and others who showed strong interest to source from Malaysia.

This year, Stancodex Sdn Bhd one of the Malaysian exhibitors was awarded with ANUGA Taste Innovation Show’ with their product ‘Kerra Coconut Spread’. The product is an extract of coconut combined with special flavour and texture. The award is a recognition given to brands at ANUGA with the most innovative products. Every year, closed to 900 companies applied for it. The award is a recognition to local companies’ capabilities and proof that Malaysian exporters are competitive globally.

Malaysian companies have been at the forefront of quality and innovation in the F&B industry mainly due to their proactiveness in obtaining accreditation from internationally-renowned certification namely ISO 22000, CODEX, HACCP, GMP and Halal.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: The National Export Council (NEC) in its third meeting for 2017 held today recognised the importance of furniture industry to Malaysia’s economy. It is expected that by 2020, the industry will generate RM12 billion in revenue, with employment opportunities of around 240,000 and is set to continue contributing to the nation’s exports earning.

Currently, Malaysia stands as the eighth largest furniture exporter globally. By 2020, the industry aims to be the world’s seventh top furniture exporter and this is in line with the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP).

Members of the NEC, chaired by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, have agreed that the furniture industry can be further elevated through enhancement in product innovation and creation of high-value segments, adoption of smart and sustainable manufacturing, usage of new materials, and establishment of furniture hub in the country. Both the Government and private sector are making efforts to move up the value chain from being Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to Original Design Manufacturer (ODM).

In 2016, 80% of Malaysia’s furniture exports are wooden furniture, valued at RM7.6 billion. The top three export markets, representing more than 50% share, are developed countries notably the US (valued at RM2.60 billion with 35% of export share), the EU (RM840 million, 11% share) and Japan (RM696 million, 9% share).

At the meeting, the NEC also discussed issues and the way forward to accelerate Malaysia’s petrochemical exports. Petrochemical is a significant sector as it is used in many industries such as agriculture, construction, automotive and electronics, among many others. In 2016, trade of petrochemicals increased by 6.4% to RM54.77 billion with exports at RM25.81 billion. The major export markets include China (valued at RM6.78 billion and 26.3% export share), Indonesia (RM3.30 billion, 12.8% share) and Thailand (RM1.99 billion, 7.7% share). By 2020, the sector export is forecasted to grow by 16% with a value of RM36.58 billion. Growth is supported by increased capacity, thanks to the Pengerang Integrated Petrochemical Complex (PIPC) that will position Malaysia as the largest producer of petrochemicals in ASEAN. The PIPC is poised to generate Gross National Income of RM8.90 billion by 2020, create 4,600 new jobs, attract RM129 billion of private investment and RM2.5 billion of public investment.

The meeting was also updated on the progress of Electrical & Electronics (E&E) industry. E&E industry assumes a crucial role in driving the Malaysian economy and contributed 44.6% to the country’s total manufacturing exports in 2016. This industry has created more than 780,000 jobs until 2016 and contributed 27.4% to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product in 2016. NEC acknowledged the prominent role of E&E Multinational Companies in Malaysia in developing local companies to be part of their global value chain. Key areas within the industry namely semiconductor, solar and LED will be further promoted to support the demand for smart devices, digitisation and Internet of Things (IoT).

The NEC was established in December 2014 and meets four times a year. It is tasked with formulating strategies to drive Malaysia’s exports and to advance Malaysia’s exports ecosystem to be accommodative to the development of local industries.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to increase local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) awareness in export, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Yayasan Amal Maaruf Malaysia (YAAM) joined forces to organise a seminar titled "Exploring International Markets with MATRADE”. The initiative is targeted at addressing their fear to venture overseas by providing insights on exporting.

The seminar offered a platform for the companies to gain insights on market opportunities in global markets particularly in East Asia, ASEAN, Middle East and Africa. The seminar was graced by YB Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE and Tuan Haji Hamsan Omar, President of YAMM.

The event, which took place at Menara MATRADE has gathered 150 participants who are business owners including Bumiputera-owned companies who are keen to start their export venture. Apart from the market opportunities, the companies were given a briefing on the various export promotion and capacity building programmes by MATRADE. The event also featured a briefing on collaboration opportunities with TPM Biotech Sdn Bhd and the introduction of Lesung.my by Food Fiesta (M) Sdn Bhd – a website to promote Malaysian food products.

Currently, SMEs constitute more than 98.5% of businesses registered in Malaysia, however their contribution to Malaysian exports was a mere 18.6 per cent. In the SME Masterplan, the Government hopes to increase this figure to 23 per cent by 2020.

According to Pn. Sharimahton, SMEs are the backbone of the Malaysian economy as they account for 36.6 per cent of Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 65.3 per cent of the total workforce. “In moving the nation towards a developed nation status, it is crucial for local SMEs to look beyond Malaysia in expanding their business. Malaysia has a market size of only 33 million people whereas if they were to go into ASEAN or China, they could tap into a market size of 630 million people and 1.4 billion people respectively.”

She added that there are many research and experts citing that the biggest hindrance for SMEs in kickstarting their export is fear. Hence, the awareness programmes such as the seminar held with YAMM is required in ensuring the SMEs who are reluctant to venture into global trade will get better clarity in what exporting is all about and the immense potential it has for them.

In the latest statistics, Malaysia’s total trade surpassed the one trillion mark in January-July 2017, with a value of RM1.008 trillion, expanding by 22.7 per cent from the corresponding period in 2016. This was the fastest period trade breached the one trillion mark, two months earlier than the normal trend.

The expansion was supported mainly by trade with ASEAN, China, the United States of America, the European Union, Japan, India and Taiwan. Exports increased by 22.3 per cent to RM529.68 billion while imports rose by 23 per cent to RM478.71 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM50.97 billion.

Exports in July 2017 maintained a steady growth, recording a value of RM78.62 billion, rising by 30.9 per cent compared with a year ago. Exports posted a stronger year-on-year growth than imports for the third straight month. Imports were higher by 21.8 per cent to record RM70.59 billion and total trade has expanded by 26.4 per cent to RM149.21 billion. July’s trade surplus of RM8.03 billion marked the 237th consecutive month of trade surplus for Malaysia since November 1997.

MATRADE as an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, organises various capacity building programmes and export promotion activities locally and internationally for Malaysian companies. It has 47 international offices around the world and functions as a link to global business for local players.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world’s video games and animation industry and to strengthen this position, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is spearheading a mission to Japan in conjunction with Tokyo Game Show 2017 in Chiba, Japan from 19 till 24 September 2017.

The Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) on Games Related Product and Services to Japan, is one of MATRADE’s initiatives to promote Malaysian game industry in Japan through partnership, collaboration and joint-venture. Fourteen Malaysian companies are taking part in this event and they are Gamehubs, Givemesix, Glow Production, Valkyrie Creative Solutions, Illusionist Production, Inspidea, Lemon Sky Animation, Magnus Games Studio, Mediasoft Entertainment, MOL Accessportal, Passion Republic, Soundtrec, Streamline Studios and Studio Kamii. The EAM is also organised in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Tokyo Game Show is one of the most important events in video game industry and has proven to be a platform of choice for top Japan digital entertainment corporations such as Bandai and Sony to launch their latest products. Last year, MATRADE had led a similar mission to the event participated by 16 Malaysian companies. The participation in 2016 had generated RM81.3 million in sales.

Apart from Malaysia, other countries featured at the event are Taiwan, India and Indonesia. During the 6-day mission, MATRADE will be coordinating a series of pre-arranged business meetings for Malaysian companies with potential partners and collaborators from Japan. The companies will also be attending a business meeting with members of the Japanese Online Game Association (JOGA) and will be visiting Marvelous Inc. - one of Japan’s top independent digital content companies. To add value to the mission, Malaysian companies will be taking part in seminars on Japan's digital content industry as well as attending a networking session with Japan’s industry players.

The potential of the video games industry is immense. Based on the Global Games Market Report released by Newzoo, 2.2 billion gamers across the globe are expected to generate USD108.9 billion in games revenue this year, which is an increase of 7.8% from 2016. Revenues from games that are being digitally downloaded accounts for 87% of the global video game market valued at USD94.4 billion. This reflects opportunities for Malaysian companies to supply their services to the world. The video games segment is also one of the sectors within the creative industry, which is recognised as a key industry to drive the exports of Malaysian services by the National Export Council, chaired by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

According to MATRADE’s Trade Commissioner in Japan, Mr Shah Nizam Ahmad, “From our participation in Tokyo Game Show last year, some of the Malaysian participants have managed to secure agreements with Japan’s major digital entertainment corporations. We can’t disclosed the details of this agreements due to the Non-Disclosure Agreement they had signed. MATRADE thinks it is important for Malaysia to continue to be present at the event so the local companies can capture more market shares and this will help position Malaysia as a regional leader in the video game industry.”

Last year, Malaysian digital content industry recorded a revenue of RM7.6 billion where RM1.17 billion came from export, mainly on the outsourcing of video game and animation development. Malaysia’s domination in the Southeast Asia video games industry is further defined when some of the best-selling and well-known video game titles in recent years such as Final Fantasy XV, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Bloodborne and Street Fighter 5 were partially developed by local game companies in Kuala Lumpur.

“Thanks to the strong support from the Government, Malaysian companies such as Lemon Sky Animation and Passion Republic have been recognised as one of the top game outsourcing developers. The promotion of the local companies has also in turn made Malaysia a hub for the world’s game development where Malaysian studios are chosen as a base for international companies,” said Mohd Shah Nizam. Two examples of such companies are Streamline Studios, founded in Netherlands that has relocated to Kuala Lumpur (now their global headquarter) and Codemasters, one of United Kingdom’s largest games companies.

MONDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) urges Malaysian private label manufacturers to leverage on the growth of private labels and store brands in India by exporting to the country that has a population of 1.2 billion people, also known as the world’s second largest population. With a growth of between 5% and 8% in the private label industry, the demand for international private labels, especially for fast-moving consumer goods, is booming in India.

Among the factors that contribute to the increasing demand for private labels in India include the improved quality of private label products in the market, resulted in a more affluent consumers in India. According to MATRADE’s market report produced by its trade office in Chennai, India is one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world and its retail system is becoming ever more organised, indicating a good prospect in strengthening Malaysian manufacturers footprint there.

Currently, the share of private labels in India is around 10% and by 2025 the industry is forecast to have a market share of around 15% of India’s total retail segment. Among the private label sectors in Malaysia that can dominate the Indian market are the food sector, non-food category such as cosmetics, health & beauty, toiletries, auto care products, household cleaners, personal care and fabric care.

Some of the private label goods in India manufactured by Malaysian companies are diapers, surgical gloves, food products, hair styling and beauty products as well as baby care products. Malaysian manufacturers of private label who are keen to explore the Indian market are encouraged to contact MATRADE offices in Chennai or Mumbai by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

During the period of January to July 2017, Malaysia’s total trade with India recorded a double-digit growth of 37.1% to RM35.44 billion, compared with the same corresponding period in 2016. Malaysia’s export to India rose by 17.4%, amounted to RM20.49 billion, mainly consisting of electrical & electronic products, palm oil & palm-based agriculture products, crude petroleum, manufacturers of metal and chemical & chemical products. In 2016, India was also ranked as Malaysia’s 10th trading partner globally and 9th in Asia.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, NANNING: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with China Post Group of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Branch and KCO Logistics & Distribution Services Sdn Bhd to develop a virtual Malaysia Pavilion dedicated to Malaysian brands on China Post’s eCommerce portal called ule.com.

ule.com is an eCommerce platform by China Post that connects the offline outlets with online and mobile services, supported by China’s Post’s extensive logistics network. Through the MoU, China Post provides the online and offline platforms while KCO Logistics - a Malaysian logistic company based in Guangxi - will be the logistic provider for China Post.

The MoU was signed by MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooren Madros on 14 September 2017 with Mr. Li Taile, CEO of Guangxi Post and Mr. Andy Oon, Managing Director of KCO Logistics during the ASEAN E-Commerce Summit during the China-ASEAN Expo 2017. The ceremony was witnessed by YB Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Minister II of International Trade and Industry, Mr Zhang Rong, Vice President of China Post Group as well leaders from ASEAN and China. The historic MoU will mark a 3-year collaboration between the parties involved.

The establishment of the virtual Malaysia Pavilion on ule.com will see a commitment by China Post to import 2,000 Single Kind Units (SKUs) of Malaysian products for one year valued at around RM300 million. These products range from food products, health & wellness products to Fast Moving Consumer Goods. Apart from being showcased on the virtual pavilion, the products will also be made accessible to 600,000 of China Post’s offline stores around the cities in China. Among the Malaysian brands to be featured through the collaboration are Julie’s, Regency Coffee and Furley, among others.

According to Dr. Shahreen, MATRADE will continue to explore various platforms, especially eCommerce platforms, to facilitate the entry of Malaysian products into China, which has a market size of 1.35 billion people. “This MOU will pave the way for products by Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to be marketed on China Post‘s vast online and offline networks. MATRADE is grateful for the strong support from China Post and KCO Logistics in realising this initiative,” he said.

He added that MATRADE, through its offices in China, will specifically assist to promote Malaysian enterprises on the platforms and identify quality Malaysian brands and products as well as to facilitate organising business matching sessions and sourcing programmes for the Malaysian companies.

Mr. Li of China Post remarked that this arrangement is another milestone for China and Malaysia’s bilateral relationship and it is in line with the Belt and Road initiative championed by President Xi Jinping’s administration. Mr Andy On, Managing Director of KCO Logistics mentioned, “I am proud that I could contribute to my country and together with MATRADE, I will strive to ensure that more Malaysian products will find its way into the huge China market.”

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: MIFF Holding Sdn Bhd, has successfully penetrated the Philippines market through its newly appointed partner, C’Scor Global Intertrade Corporation, Philippines. The collaboration sees C’Scor Global Intertrade MIFF distributing MIFF clay products; Claymiff and Green Islamic Cleaning (GIC) services in the Philippines market for a period of five years. The first contract signed was valued at RM7.5million.

The collaboration is targeted at the growing interest of Halal products and services in the Philippines. Halal in the Philippines is an added value proposition for Malaysian companies to leverage in this booming market of 102 million people. Parallel to the world’s growing perspective, the Halal ecosystem is also been seen from the aspects of hygiene and safety transcending the sub industries of logistics including shipping services, transportation and warehousing, beside hotels and restaurants, and buildings. In addition, the 5.2 million Filipino Muslims, which consists of 6% of its total population will act as a catalyst for growth of Halal related products and services in the country.

MIFF Holding’s Managing Director, Datuk Hj. Ab Razak Ab Hadi said, “This type of collaboration is important for SME’s like us to enter the ASEAN market successfully.” He added that MIFF is optimistic with the future of its business in the Philippines as the Claymiff and GIC are recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the certification authority of the Philippines.
Apart from becoming an exclusive distributor of MIFF Holding’s brands, C’Sor will also be doing rebranding and re-packaging clay products to meet the Philippines’s market and demands.

The collaboration was commemorated in a contract signing ceremony which was held recently between MIFF Holding‘s Managing Director, Datuk Hj. Ab Razak Ab Hadi and Head of Business Unit, C’Scor Global Intertrade, Mr Andrew Leonard Yao Tan. It is a result of MIFF Holding’s participation in the Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Manila under the Best Exporters Programme (BEP) conducted by MATRADE in July 2017.

The BEP is a collaboration programme by MATRADE, TERAJU and SME Bank. It is aimed to guide and develop Bumiputera SMEs through a comprehensive enhancement and enrichment activities which focuses on six primary areas namely human capital, production and technical, financial, marketing, exports and legal compliance competencies.

“As the national trade promotion agency, MATRADE will continue to facilitate Malaysian companies venturing overseas and we are proud that the company is driving the GIC services sector expansion globally, in accordance to the Malaysian Standard MS2400-1:2010 under the Halalan-Toyibban Assurance Pipeline” said Md Silmi Abd Rahman, Senior Director of Exporters Transformation and Digital Trade Division.

Furthermore, opportunities are flourishing in the Philippines’s market and it is advisable for Malaysian companies to get better understanding of the local rules and regulations especially through the assistance of MATRADE’s office in Manila. It is crucial for Malaysian companies to engage with reputable and established importers or distributors before entering the market. “Joint ventures with reliable importers, distributors or partners is one of the best strategy to succeed in the Philippines market.” said Md Silmi Abd Rahman.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed last year with Guangxi Qinzhou Free Trade Port Area Administration Committee and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Malaysia, on the establishment of the ChinaASEAN SME Trade Promotion Platform (CASTPP), has borne a fruitful result with the arrival of the first container of Malaysian products that was sourced at CASTPP.

The export order was made to five Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Selangor, Kedah, Penang and Sarawak and is valued at around RM200,000. Although the value was relatively moderate, it marked a good start on the entry of more Malaysian products through the platform and is proof to the effectiveness of the CASTPP. The products include sports drinks, juices, confectioneries and premix coffee.

The CASTPP was an outcome of Malaysia’s participation in China-ASEAN Expo 2016 and is considered an effort under the Belt and Road Initiative. The trade facilitation and sourcing platform provides offline and online services for ASEAN companies, particularly SMEs, to ease their access into the Chinese market, ultimately bridging them with potential partners from China. The CASTPP also focuses on supporting the SMEs in activities such as licensing, customs clearance, financial service, direct purchasing and many more. In addition, the platform facilitates economic and trade cooperation through promotion at international trade exhibitions. The CASTPP is an ideal platform for Malaysian companies especially new exporters as it provides an avenue for them to position their brand presence in China by leveraging on the Guangxi province. Moving forward, MATRADE and China-ASEAN Panorama Magazine Agency (CASTPP’s operating partner in Malaysia) will be organising a conference cum business matching in October 2017.

During the event set to take place in MATRADE, 30 China’s companies who comprise franchisors, chain stores and flagship stores owners in Guangxi province will participate and will be meeting selected Malaysian companies.

According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, the collaboration that was realised from the MoU is beneficial for Malaysian exporters. “The CASTPP will definitely help Malaysian companies to do business in China as it is a one-stopplatform to facilitate and overcome China’s strict quarantine checks and at the same time allow them to showcase their brands for international sourcing too,” he said.

The CASTPP is hoped to accelerate Malaysia’s exports to China and boost the trade performance between the two nations. In the first half of 2017, trade with China expanded by 28% to RM139.32 billion. Exports to China surged by 41.2% to RM59.79 billion, due to higher exports of Electrical & Electronics products, petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products, rubber products as well as LNG. Imports from China increased by 19.6% to RM79.53 billion.

Malaysian companies keen to find out more about CASTPP are advised to contact MATRADE by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2017 KUANTAN: MATRADE will be organizing a half-day seminar on “Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) For Business Sustainability” on August 24, 2017 at Rumah Tamu Sri Gelora, Jalan Dato’ Abu Samah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, with the aim to build awareness among Malaysian companies to benefit from their Intellectual Properties investment of their products (including soft export products) and services’ brand names.

The seminar will feature speakers from MyIPO and IP Tax Management Company which will cover the topics such as listed below in Bahasa Malaysia and English:
• The Significant and Benefits of Intellectual Property to SMEs
• Strategies to Grow Your Business with Intellectual Property Rights
• Unlocking The Value of IP and Increase The Worth of Your Business

Further information on this a half a day briefing on “Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) For Business Sustainability” on August 24, 2017 at Rumah Tamu Sri Gelora, Jalan Dato’ Abu Samah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, is available on MATRADE portal http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/training-registration .

This seminar is chargeable at RM20 per person by cash at the entrance. The closing date for registration is on 23 August 2017. For technical registration matters, please contact Ms Aidatul Marina at 03-6207 7864 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms. Nur Afikah at 09 624 477 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will spearheading the participation of 172 Malaysian companies in the 14th China ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2017 from 12 – 15 September 2017. The event will be held in the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Guangxi Province, People’s Republic of China.

Occupying 179 booths, the participation will be Malaysia’s 14th participation. The Malaysian companies, who are Small and Medium Enterprises, will be showcasing Made-in-Malaysia products and services from a number of sectors namely Food and Beverages, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle and Services, among others.

According to MATRADE’s Deputy CEO, Dato’ Wan Latif Wan Musa, “MATRADE has always seen CAEXPO as an effective platform to promote Malaysia’s exports and based on the past records, the event has proven to be an effective avenue for Malaysian companies to expand their outreach in China.”

In 2016, CAEXPO generated total sales of RM329.6 million, a 54% increase as compared to RM214 million recorded in 2015. This year, MATRADE projects sales value of RM350 million to be attained. Dato’ Wan Latiff stressed that, even though the target is quite high, he is optimistic Malaysian companies will be able to achieve the target due to the strong demand from China.

“China has been our largest trading partner since 2009. It is imperative for us to keep up this momentum by continuing to leverage on effective trade events in China such as CAEXPO,” he said.

In 2016, Malaysia’s total trade with China was at RM240.91 billion as compared to RM230.89 billion recorded in 2015 - a growth of 4.4%. Malaysia’s exports to China were valued at RM98.56billion while imports were recorded at RM142.35billion. However, exports with China in the first half of 2017 has expanded by 41.2% to reach RM59.79 billion. Higher exports were registered for products like electrical and electronics, petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products, rubber as well as metalliferous ores and metal scrap.

In addition to bringing Malaysian companies to CAEXPO, MATRADE will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with state-owned China Post to mark a strategic collaboration. Through the MoU, China Post will be introducing an online Malaysia Pavilion on its eMarketplace platform called ule.com. Through this initiative, Malaysian products will be featured in all China Post stores in the Guangxi Province. China Post has 600,000 stores nationwide and 93 stores in Guangxi Province. The collaboration is set to further enhance the presence of Malaysian products on China’s eCommerce platforms.

MONDAY, 7 AUGUST 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to transform Malaysia into a brand-driven trading nation, the Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) co-organised the Brand Entrepreneurs Conference (BEC) 2017 for local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. The event is supported by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and took place at Menara MITI.

Themed as “Sailing in Uncharted Waters – Opportunities & Threats in this Ever Changing World”, the event was graced by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed and MATRADE’s Chairman YB Dato’ Noraini Ahmad.

The BEC was aimed at providing local business community with a platform to learn from and interact with upcoming and successful Malaysian entrepreneurs who have excelled in branding. The conference embodied a strategic public-private partnership, designed with the aspiration to build more successful Malaysian brands and to strengthen Malaysia’s nation branding through the export of local products and services.

According to Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Madros, MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian businesses must invest in creating brand value. “A strong brand value leads to a brand equity that is imperative to a company’s business health. As a trading nation, Malaysia is known to produce high quality products that are reliable and are competitively priced. A sturdy brand equity will further add value to our local products and services abroad. This is why a capacity building initiative such as the BEC will help develop more export champions who are brand-savvy, and in the long run this will be truly beneficial for the Malaysian economy,” he said adding that in 2016, Malaysia was ranked by World Trade Organisation as the top 24th trading nation, 24th largest exporter and 26th biggest importer in the world.

The BEC covered topics related to Innovation, Digitalisation, Brand Culture and the Malaysian Business Landscape and featured speakers from CIMB, iPay88, IX Telecom and Alibaba.com, just to name a few. Considered as the largest of its kind, the conference was attended by over 600 participants from Malaysia and abroad.

WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: In light of the rising cyber security threat cases around the world, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has taken the initiative organised a seminar titled ‘Cyber Security on Global Trade’ to build stronger awareness among Malaysian companies on how to deal with cyber security threats.

The event took place at Menara MATRADE and was attended by over 100 participants who were representatives from companies in various sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, telecommunication and Food & Beverages. Among the topics presented at the seminar were ‘Laws Under the Purview of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Corporation (MCMC)’, ‘Current Trend of Commercial Crimes’, ‘Cyber Threats: It’s Impact and What Can We Do?’ and ‘Cyber Security State of Affairs and Defence Mechanism’. The speakers were from MCMC, Royal Malaysian Police, SysArmy Sdn Bhd, and Emgraft Systems Sdn Bhd.

In Malaysia, the number of cyber crimes is increasing. According to Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team (MyCERT) statistics, the total reported incidents of cyber threats in Malaysia in 2016 was 8,334 out of which, fraud and intrusion incidences were the highest, and accounted for 77% of the total reported cases. In addition, there were 1.13 million malware infections in Malaysia reported last year and as of April 2017, the figure stood at 331,165 cases. The number of cases is snowballing mainly due to the lack of awareness among Malaysians.

According to Senior Director of Exporters Transformation Division at MATRADE, Mr. Md Silmi Abd Rahman, cyber crimes affect not only individuals but businesses too and can be detrimental to the business health of Malaysian companies. “It is imperative for the business communities to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to protect their company from being a cyber crime target. First step is to increase their awareness on the issue so they can learn how to mitigate the risks,” he said. “Despite the challenges and risks undertaken by Malaysian companies in finding the right foreign partners, appointing the genuine agents and to fulfil the global requirements to exporting, Malaysian companies must also be conscious of the cyber criminals and cyber attacks activities that vary from information leakages, stealing data, hacking and stalking, emails to financial frauds,” En Md Silmi added.

MATRADE as Malaysia’s trade promotion agency encourages Malaysian companies to take cyber security measures before embarking on any global ventures. The local industry players are advised engage with MATRADE to seek trade advisory prior to entering a foreign market.

As an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, MATRADE offers various trade advisory to Malaysian companies, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises that make up around 97% of Malaysia’s business establishments. MATRADE’s advisory services are free for Malaysian companies and can greatly help Malaysian companies to become global champions. For more details, local companies could email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11th, 2017 - In support to the Ministry of International Trade & Industry’s AEC Open Day from 8 to 9 August 2017 and to commemorate ASEAN 50th Anniversary celebration, PanPages Berhad and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) are engaging with Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the SME Export Day in an effort to boost SMEs’ interest in export. Apart from promoting Malaysia’s export, the conference aims to provide a platform for SMEs’ to gather practical advice from a team of experts in trade.

Exporters, financiers and government representatives will congregate for a series of key addresses and discussions focused on maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness in global trade. This conference will offer the most complete export guide to aspiring exporters as well as Malaysian SMEs who are planning to expand their businesses globally.

The SMEs will be getting insights from government agencies and established organisations who among them are freight forwarders, lawyer firms, export consultants and banks. The conference is considered one of the best platforms for Malaysian SMEs to ready themselves with exporting knowledge in various key areas, with particular emphasis on access to the ASEAN market.

ASEAN is the world’s 7th biggest economy and is targeted to be the world’s top-3 economy by 2030. With a market size of 630 million people, trade with ASEAN is important to help increase exports contribution by Malaysian SMEs to 23% by 2020, as compared to the current contribution of 17.6%.

Around 1,000 business decision-makers from export-ready Malaysian SMEs are expected to attend the large-scale full day conference. This comprehensive conference with step-to-step export guidance will be held at Perdana Hall, MITI Tower, 9th August 2017.

Interested participants can secure a spot at the event by visiting www.businesssite.panpages.com/sme-export-day or emailing info@panpages.

MONDAY, JULY 3 2017, KUALA LUMPUR : In an effort to enhance market outreach in China for Malaysia’s Halal sector, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be coordinating the participation of Malaysian companies at the 23rd Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair 2017 in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China from July 6 to 9. The Malaysian delegation will be led by YB Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Minister II of International Trade and Industry.

The highlight of Malaysia’s participation is the selection of Malaysia as the Country of Honour by the organiser. Ninety representatives from 31 Malaysian companies and various Malaysian government organisations will take part at the prominent event.

The participation is timely as Lanzhou has been identified by the Chinese government as one the Halal trade hubs in China, besides being China’s strategic entrance for Halal products. Lanzhou also serves as a key regional transportation hub in China, connecting areas further west by rail to the Eastern half of China. Among the sectors promoted at the event include food & beverages, healthcare tourism and tourism services as well as many others.

Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, the Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE said that the involvement of Malaysian players at the event offers a good opportunity for Malaysia to promote its Halal products and services. “Participation at Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair 2017 will also enable us to tap into the neighbouring Muslim markets of Gansu namely Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang and nearby provinces,” he said.

Apart from the trade exhibition, a Trade & Investment Forum will be organised and will involve business communities from around China and 32 countries. In addition to the forum, MATRADE and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will be organising an economic forum to promote trade and investment opportunities as well as highlight Malaysia’s capabilities in Halal certification, palm oil, education as well as health tourism. Other agencies involved are Halal Development Corporation (HDC), Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

Participation at Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair is a continuation of various efforts executed by the Government, including a recent visit by YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak to China, to strengthen the country’s relationship with China, Malaysia’s main trading partner. Currently, both countries are already cooperating on mega projects such as the twin parks – Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, Xiamen University in Malaysia – and a number of infrastructure development projects, particularly in the construction of railway.

“MATRADE, through its various export promotion initiatives will continue to accelerate Malaysia’s exports to China given its importance to Malaysian companies, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises,” Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen added.

In the first four months of 2017, trade with China registered a growth of 32.7% to RM91.36 billion. Exports surged by 42.5% to RM39.27 billion and imports expanded by 26.1% to RM52.09 billion. Products that contributed to the increase in exports were Electrical and Electronics products, petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products as well as rubber products. China also remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner. In 2016, it was Malaysia largest trading partner for 8th consecutive year since 2009.

THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Local ethical fashion industry can be part of the global supply chain provided more industry players are taking part in the initiative to be able to meet the world demand. This was what transpired at the briefing titled “Why does Ethical Fashion Matter?” jointly organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Earth Heir Partners Sdn Bhd, a social enterprise that is involved in premium handicraft goods produced through ethical process.

The session held today was organised to enhance the awareness on sustainable model of the fashion industry among Malaysian fashion designers and manufacturers. The briefing, attended by 50 participants, involved a panel of speakers who are experts in the ethical fashion industry who shared the outlook of the ethical fashion industry in Malaysia as well as opportunities available for the players globally.

MATRADE as the trade promotion organisation encourages local companies to incorporate social values in the ecosystem, while at the same time exploring and tapping into the growing global demand for ethical fashion products. Ethical fashion encompasses an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacturing of clothing and accessories such as shoes, handbags as well as handicrafts that maximises benefits to the community, while minimising impact on the environment.

According to MATRADE’s Lifestyle Director En. Abu Bakar Yusof, ethical fashion is fast gaining traction around the world and there is a shift of demand in the European, Australian and North American markets. “Consumer behaviours are leaning towards ethical fashion designers and manufacturers as there is a big risk to reputational damage from the practice of unethical fashion. This has resulted in a lot of designers re-evaluating their sourcing options. Countries with higher ethical standards are beginning to capture a stronger buying power in this trillion-dollar industry. These benchmarks of ethical practice have become a prerequisite for the growing market, and fashion that is unable to comply with ethical fashion will soon no longer be able to compete,” said En Abu Bakar.

“Ethical fashion will not only positively impact the local society but also brings greater value to the products particularly in the international market where customers are willing to pay higher price for such premium products, which are made using ethical practices,”En Abu Bakar mentioned and added that MATRADE supports the initiatives by local social enterprises that attempt to adopt ethical process in their operation.

According to Ms Sasibai Kimis, Founder of Earth Heir Partners, ethical fashion has entered the mainstream industry and is securing its place internationally. “Paris, London, Berlin and New York have introduced fashion shows dedicated solely to ethical and sustainable fashion. Malaysia should not be left behind as international fashion retailers are unwilling to compromise on ethical values and have begun to seriously question all aspects of the supply chain,” said Ms Sasibai.

The global market for ethical fashion has quadrupled in the last four years and is growing steadily. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the ethical fashion industry rose 29% in 2016, valued at GB£1.80 billion. In China, more brands are actively looking at production facilities that meet ethical standards of materials, labour practices and working environment. Due to the industry’s infancy stage in Malaysia, there have yet to be any data collated.

MATRADE urges Malaysian fashion producers to be more aware on the latest market trends around the world to improve their competitiveness. Malaysian companies that are keen to know more or have updates on ethical fashion may contact MATRADE for discussions.

ISNIN, 5 JUN, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) menggalakkan pereka fesyen dan pengusaha fesyen tempatan memulakan langkah dalam pasaran antarabangsa melalui saluran peruncitan (retail) yang boleh membantu mereka mengakses pasaran global, sekaligus mengembangkan perniagaan mereka ke pasaran antarabangsa.

Jenama peruncitan seperti Parkson, Metrojaya, Isetan dan Gulatis mampu menyediakan platform buat pereka tempatan muda untuk memperkenalkan jenama mereka di persada global seperti di pasaran China, India, ASEAN dan Eropah. Strategi ini adalah efektif buat pereka muda negara yang masih di dalam proses untuk memperkukuhkan kedudukan di pasaran domestik tetapi pada masa yang sama tidak mahu ketinggalan dalam pemasaran antarabangsa.

Pengarah Unit Gaya Hidup MATRADE En. Abu Bakar Yusof berkata, MATRADE selaku agensi promosi perdagangan Malaysia, sentiasa bersedia untuk membantu pereka-pereka fesyen muda tempatan melalui aktiviti pembangunan kapasiti dan promosi eksport. “Melalui bantuan MATRADE, bakat-bakat muda ini akan mendapat maklumat penting seperti akses ke pasaran antarabangsa, maklumat risikan pasaran, peluang kerjasama global serta peluang mewujudkan jaringan perniagaan yang ideal dalam mengembangkan operasi perniagaan mereka,” En. Abu Bakar berkata.

Seiring dengan aspirasi TN50 yang memperkasakan bakat muda negara, pereka fesyen muda negara yang berjaya di luar negara akan mampu meningkatkan eksport Malaysia dalam industri fesyen. Pada tahun lepas, eksport tekstil, pakaian dan kasut dicatatkan sebanyak RM13.88 billion. Jumlah tersebut menunjukkan kadar pertumbuhan sebanyak 5.15% berbanding pada tahun 2015 dengan jumlah eksport RM 13.21 billion.

“Malaysia mempunyai ramai pengusaha dan pereka fesyen namun kebanyakannya berfokus kepada pasaran domestik. Seperti contoh, terdapat banyak peluang di luar sana, contohnya di pasaran ASEAN yang mempunyai 630 juta orang. Selain dapat menampung perniagaan domestik, aktiviti eksport akan memberi impak dari segi teknologi baharu kepada perniagaan mereka,” menurut En. Abu Bakar Yusof lagi.

Inisiatif untuk menggalakkan penglibatan pereka fesyen muda Malaysia di dalam eksport adalah salah satu komponen kempen kesedaran eksport MATRADE yang dipanggil Beyond Nations. Kempen ini dilancarkan Perdana Menteri Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak pada September 2016.

MATRADE dalam satu kolaborasi strategik bersama Farel Mikhail dan beberapa pereka fesyen muda yang lain juga telah bersama-sama menjayakan sesi peragaan busana Hari Raya, Syawalista 2017, hari ini. “Pereka-pereka yang hadir pada hari ini diperkenalkan kepada wakilwakil daripada jenama peruncitan terkenal Malaysia. Pendedahan ini dapat memberi sedikit semangat dan motivasi kepada mereka untuk mula melibatkan diri dalam eksport. Penglibatan mereka tentunya akan mendorong syarikat Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) terutamanya kumpulan mikro untuk turut serta dalam bidang eksport. Ini adalah amat penting untuk meningkatkan sumbangan eksport PKS daripada 17% kepada 23% menjelang 2020,” kata En. Abu Bakar.

Majlis peragaan yang berlangsung hari ini turut diserikan lagi dengan kehadiran Pengerusi MATRADE iaitu YB Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad serta beberapa selebriti terkenal seperti Dato’ Ziela Jalil, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, Dato’ Sri Shah Reza,Rozita Che Wan serta pereka-pereka fesyen terkenal tempatan.

THURSDAY, 1 JUNE 2017, PUTRAJAYA: The National Export Council (NEC) at its second meeting this year urged Malaysian contractors and service providers to increase the procurement of Malaysian products and services for their overseas projects to help accelerate Malaysia’s exports. The meeting took place today at the Prime Minister’s Office.

To date, 54 projects owned by Malaysian companies or involve Malaysian establishments are taking shape in 16 countries with a value of RM109.71 billion, but only 10 are utilising Malaysian products and services. The total value of products and services sourced from Malaysia for the 10 projects is RM256.50 million or a mere 0.2% of the projects’ worth. The projects are spread across Europe, ASEAN, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. These projects range from mixed development, construction, structural steel works and fabrication, expressway to engineering services.

In an effort to push for the usage of local content by Malaysian companies in projects overseas, a number of incentives through various initiatives have been introduced. This includes facilitative SMELarge Corp Partnership Programme by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Partial reimbursement of logistic cost for sending local products or equipment abroad and support for providing services to projects overseas are also available through the programmes. Through the assistance programmes, the Government aims to see more Malaysian projects overseas utilising Malaysian resources.

The Council also agreed that Malaysian construction companies with projects overseas should increase utilisation of more Malaysian services and goods for their projects. The Council also decided that investment incentives be reviewed to discourage employment of foreign workers while ensuring incentives bring better returns to the Malaysian economy in terms of high-value added exports, creation of high-income jobs and support development of smaller Malaysian enterprises.

The Council, chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, also discussed Malaysia’s participation in world’s iconic programmes in ASEAN, China, Japan and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region to promote Malaysian capabilities in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, gaming, creative content, medical and healthcare as well as capacity building programmes for Malaysian exporters. These initiatives are to be spearheaded by MATRADE.

In addition, the Council has deliberated on the efforts in strengthening the market share of Malaysian palm oil globally. Malaysia is the second largest palm oil producer in the world after Indonesia, contributing 29.4% of world production of oil palm - equivalent to 17.32 million tonnes in 2016. In 2016, Malaysia’s exports of palm oil and palm-based products stood at RM67.58 billion. Among the issues discussed on the palm oil sector were strengthening palm oil exports by focusing on specific initiatives based on markets in China, India, European Union and Asia Pacific, branding of Malaysian palm oil through Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and addressing barriers to palm oil exports.

The NEC was established in December 2014 and meets once every quarter. It is tasked with formulating strategies to drive Malaysia’s exports and to chart the way forward for Malaysia as a world’s competitive trading nation. Malaysia is the world’s top 24th trading nation and the world’s top 23rd exporting nation. Malaysian products are currently being exported to more than 200 countries worldwide and are sought after due to their high quality, compliance to international standards and product diversification ability, among many other factors.

MONDAY, 29 MAY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Nine Malaysian companies that took part in the World of Private Label International Trade Show (PLMA) 2017 - the world’s largest trade show for private label industry - have successfully secured potential sales of RM96.58 million, an increase of 43% compared to RM67.63 million generated by 10 Malaysian SME last year. Their participation was spearheaded by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the national trade promotion agency.

Held at RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands from 16 – 17 May 2017, Malaysian companies, through MATRADE, have been part of the PLMA Amsterdam organised by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) since 2007. The event serves as a platform for Malaysian companies to showcase their products to high profile international buyers attending the show. The show is a highly recognised retail trade fair in Europe where buyers and retailers congregate to source for private label goods for supermarkets and department stores from all over the world.

Housed under the Non-food category, the Malaysian companies at the event promoted their products namely home cleaning & furnishing products, household products, gloves as well as personal care products. Apart from exhibiting their products, the companies have also attended 380 business meetings with potential buyers from Netherlands, Belgium and Turkey, throughout the 2-day event. The business meetings, coordinated by MATRADE, were considered an added value to the companies’ participation.

According to MATRADE’s Lifestyle Unit Director, Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, the participation in the event was to tap on the growing demand for private label products in the European market. “This effort has enabled the companies to establish direct business contacts with the region’s trade buyers and customers. Plus, the popularity of private label keeps growing across Europe, and Malaysia has a strength in this area given the uniqueness of our local products,” he said.

The data compiled by MATRADE shows that the market share for retailer brands increased in 13 of the 20 countries in Europe. For instance, in Germany, market share for retailer brands stayed above 40% for eighth consecutive years while in Switzerland the share accounts for over 50% for more than a decade. In northern Europe, all four of the Scandinavian countries – Denmark (market share 32%), Finland (30%), Norway (29%) and Sweden (31%) - have also registered increase in market share for retailer brands. The continuing growth of demand for retailer’s brands in Europe signifies the market’s huge potential and offers Malaysian manufacturers an opportunity to tap into the region’s prospects.

TUESDAY, 22 MAY 2017, MUAR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Muar Furniture Association (MFA) jointly organise a seminar titled “Export Opportunities Through e-Commerce For Furniture Industry” in a bid to encourage more local furniture companies to embark on e-Commerce in penetrating global markets and capturing global customers.

The event which took place at Classic Hotel in Muar, Johor on Wednesday was attended by 70 participants who mostly are MFA members and furniture companies from around Johor. The seminar was aimed at highlighting exports opportunities for the local furniture companies and the assistance provided by MATRADE for Malaysian companies to start exporting through its eTRADE Programme.

Among the topics at the seminar were ‘Export Opportunities for Malaysian Furniture Industry’ by Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, Director of Lifestyle Unit at MATRADE; MATRADE’s Assistance to Start Exporting on e-Commerce by Mr. Raphy Md. Radzi, MATRADE’s Southern Region Director as well as a briefing on Alibaba.com B2B platform and Alibaba’s training programme called “Alibaba Dream Trip” by Mr. Jack Zhang Jun, the General Manager of Global Supplier Development of Alibaba.com who is based in Hangzhou, China.

According to Madam Raja Nor Zihan Raja Mohsin, Director of eBusiness & IT, the seminar is in line with MATRADE’s initiative to promote selected sectors globally through e-commerce, as highlighted in the National e-Commerce Strategic Roadmap. “Furniture is one of the sectors that have a lot of potential in e-Commerce. Our programme, eTRADE, offers incentives for the local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to start selling globally through the e-marketplaces. The SMEs must take the opportunity to register in the programme and utilise its benefits. Thus far, furniture companies in eTRADE have secured buyers from China, Singapore, Myanmar, Panama and Iraq,” she said.

Since the programme’s introduction in October 2014, 955 companies have joined the eTRADE Programme of which 111 or 11.6% of the companies are from the furniture industry. Since 1st January 2017, an incentive worth RM5,000 has been provided to qualified companies under the eTRADE Programme to partially cover the listing fee imposed by international e-marketplaces and e-commerce-related services to the companies.

Through e-marketplace such as Alibaba.com, JD.com, TMall.com, Amazon, eBay and Daganghalal.com, various products including furniture, food and beverages, lifestyle products, building and construction materials, as well as automotive parts and components have been exported by the companies in the eTRADE Programme. “In addition to the MFA, collaborations with relevant government agencies, associations from various industries, and companies involved in the e-Commerce ecosystem will be continued to ensure the success of the eTRADE Programme,” Madam Raja Nor Zihan said.

For the 1st quarter of 2017, exports of furniture recorded a growth of 5.1% as compared to the same period in 2016. Malaysia’s furniture exports in 2016 was RM9.53 billion, an increase of 4.2% from the RM9.14 billion in 2015. Apart from the traditional markets such as the United States of America, Japan, Australia, India and the United Kingdom, exports of furniture to new and developing markets such as Turkey, Maldives, Algeria, Puerto Rico and Chile have also shown significant growth since the past few years.

Meanwhile, the President of MFA, Mr. Koh Chon Chai thinks that the collaboration between MFA and MATRADE in organising this seminar is imperative to improve the performance of the industry players. “e-Commerce can help furniture companies to expand their business around the world. I would like to urge local furniture companies, including the MFA members, to utilise the eTRADE incentives and trainings provided by MATRADE and adopt new marketing vehicle such as e-commerce to increase their business profits,” he opined.

Malaysian companies can apply to be an eTRADE Programme participant through www.matrade.gov.my/en/etrade or email their enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MONDAY, 22 MAY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) organised a seminar today to create a stronger awareness on business and financing opportunities available for Malaysian companies in the Organisation of Islamic Countries markets - also the IDB member countries. The event is titled as ‘Business and Financing Opportunities with the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDBG)’.

The seminar was a result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Malaysia and the IDB Group in November 2016, aimed at promoting cooperation in Islamic Finance, Reverse Linkage, Resource Mobility and Halal Industry. During the event, participants were exposed to information on business and trade financing opportunities offered by the IDB. The seminar was also an avenue for Malaysian companies to obtain insights on the OIC markets’ economic outlook.

Around 140 participants attended the half-day seminar. The speakers at the seminar were from the Islamic Cooperation for the Development of Private Sector (ICD), International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), PMB Tejari Berhad, Federation of Consultants from Islamic Countries (FCIC), the Embassy of Turkey and the Embassy of Tajikistan in Kuala Lumpur.

According to MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, the seminar was an initiative to boost Malaysia’s bilateral trade with the OIC countries through financing facilities provided by the IDB Group. “There are a lot of potentials for Malaysian companies to further develop their businesses in these markets. Considering the huge population of over 1.4 billion people in the OIC, there are still a lot of opportunities for Malaysian companies to tap into. As the national trade promotion agency, it is our role to educate the local companies on these opportunities in areas such as construction, energy, engineering, agriculture and human development,” he said.

For the period of January to March 2017, despite the global economic slowdown, Malaysia’s total trade with the 57 OIC member countries were valued at USD10.44 billion with exports valued at USD5.29 billion and imports at USD5.15 billion. In 2016, our total trade with these IDB member countries were valued at USD34.96 billion. Total exports were recorded at USD19.78 billion, while imports were at USD15.18 billion.

Malaysia’s major export destinations in the OIC were Indonesia, valued at USD6.67 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates (USD3.03 billion), Turkey (USD1.72 billion), Bangladesh at (USD1.24 billion) and Pakistan (USD1.17 billion). Main export items to these countries were Palm Oil and Palm-Based Products, Chemicals and Chemical Products, Petroleum Products, Machinery, Equipment and Parts, as well as Electrical and Electronics Products.

MATRADE is also facilitating Malaysian investments abroad by providing information and advisory services to the companies. Malaysian investments in the OIC countries have been showing promising results. In 2016, Malaysia’s investment into the OIC countries reached a total amount of USD2.05 billion, showing an increase of 25% from USD1.64 billion registered in 2015.

Some of the successful investments in these countries include Energy Projects in Bangladesh by Tenaga Nasional Berhad; Hospital Management in Bangladesh by KPJ Healthcare; Oil & Gas Projects in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan by Petronas, UMW and Scomi Berhad; Construction Projects in Makkah by MMC, Malakoff, UEM, Prasarana and Dialog Group and Airport Management Projects in Turkey and Kazakhstan by Malaysia Airport Berhad.

“It is important for Malaysian companies to leverage on both Malaysia and IDB member countries strengths for mutual economic benefits. Malaysian companies are encouraged to capitalise on the financing facilitiesopportunities offered by the IDB to expand their exports and investments in the OIC countries,” Dato’ Wan Latiff mentioned.

Malaysian companies keen to know more about entering the OIC markets can contact MATRADE by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

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..

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

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.

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..

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..

SELASA, 18 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) dan Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) menyeru kepada usahawan Bumiputera untuk lebih giat dalam membangunkan perniagaan mereka ke arah eksport. Ini adalah seiring dengan aspirasi untuk mencipta lebih ramai jaguh bisnes dunia dari Malaysia di kalangan usahawan Bumiputera.

Mesej ini disampaikan oleh MATRADE dan TERAJU di sidang akhbar bersempena Pameran Memacu Agenda Bumiputera 2017 yang diadakan di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur bermula hari ini.

MATRADE selaku agensi galakan eksport negara mempunyai program khas yang dinamakan Program Pembangunan Pengeksport Bumiputera (BEDP) yang berfungsi untuk meningkatkan kapasiti syarikat-syarikat Bumiputera dalam eksport. Program bimbingan 3 tahun ini diperkenalkan pada tahun 2004 untuk membantu syarikat-syarikat Bumiputera menjadi lebih berdaya saing dalam pasaran antarabangsa.

Syarikat-syarikat yang terlibat dalam program ini telah dinilai dari segi keupayaan dan kesediaan eksport, pengurusan syarikat serta kapasiti kewangan. Sejak pelancarannya, sebanyak 299 buah syarikat Bumiputera telah menerima manfaat daripada program BEDP. Syarikat-syarikat tersebut adalah daripada pelbagai sektor seperti minyak & gas, ICT, kesihatan, makanan & minuman, bahan binaan, elektrik & elektronik, perkhidmatan, gaya hidup, animasi dan kreatif industri dan lain-lain lagi.

Syarikat-syarikat Malaysia di bawah program ini telah berjaya menembusi pasaran antarabangsa seperti China, Emiriah Arab Bersatu, Qatar, Oman, Jepun dan Singapura. Sebanyak RM53.32 juta jualan eksport telah dijana syarikat-syarikat yang terlibat dalam program BEDP sepanjang tahun 2016.

"Program berimpak tinggi seperti BEDP akan mampu menambah keyakinan syarikat Bumiputera untuk bersaing di peringkat global kerana terdapat elemen fasilitasi khusus dan latihan praktikal. Program ini adalah program khas yang membantu syarikat Bumiputera dari aspek promosi eksport, skil keusahawanan global, kewangan dan sesi bersama mentor," kata Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MATRADE, Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros.

"Usahawan Bumiputera perlu mengambil peluang untuk bersaing di peringkat global tambahan apabila adanya program-program dan insentif daripada kerajaan. Peluang untuk berniaga secara global kini amat besar kerana adanya platform digital. Selain itu, Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas yang dimeterai juga dapat meluaskan akses syarikat tempatan ke serata dunia. Negara memerlukan lebih ramai pengeksport di kalangan Bumiputera dalam usaha untuk meningkatkan sumbangan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana dalam eksport daripada 17.8 peratus kepada 23 peratus menjelang tahun 2020," tambah beliau.

Menurut Dato' Husni Salleh, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif TERAJU, "Kita perlu mengubah cara Bumiputera berfikir, bekerja dan bertindak. Kita mahu mendorong "mindset change" di kalangan Bumiputera untuk melihat keperluan dalam membangunkan kapasiti dan bersedia untuk bersaing serta meneroka pasaran global yang lebih luas. Bantuan daripada Kerajaan tidak harus dianggap sebagai hak, malah ia adalah satu batu loncatan untuk meningkatkan produktiviti dan daya saing di kalangan Bumiputera berdasarkan merit."

"Keupayaan dan kualiti tidak boleh dikompromi. Secara keseluruhan, terdapat ramai usahawan Bumiputera yang mempunyai kebolehan dan berpotensi untuk berkembang dalam dan luar negara. Mereka mempunyai keupayaan dan kepakaran, berdaya saing, kehendak untuk berjaya dan kesediaan untuk bekerja keras," katanya lagi.

TERAJU selaku unit strategik di Jabatan Perdana Menteri bertujuan menerajui, memacu dan menyelaras penyertaan Bumiputera dalam ekonomi negara telah mengenalkan program TERAS pada tahun 2011 untuk membantu membina kapasiti syarikat Bumiputera. Pada tahun 2016, bilangan syarikat yang menyertai Program TERAS telah berkembang kepada 1,014 syarikat (purata pertumbuhan tahun ke tahun 18 peratus) yang purata pendapatan berjumlah RM39.1 bilion (meningkat sebanyak 22 peratus) berbanding tahun 2012 iaitu 300 syarikat dengan jumlah pendapatan purata RM14.4 bilion.

Kebanyakan syarikat TERAS berada di dalam industri perkhidmatan termasuklah sektor pembinaan dan berkaitan, minyak dan gas serta industri perkilangan. Sehingga Mac 2017, 26 peratus syarikat-syarikat TERAS telah mengeksport seluruh dunia. Negara-negara ASEAN seperti Indonesia, Singapura dan Thailand menjadi destinasi utama eksport bagi syarikat TERAS.

Pameran Memacu Agenda Bumiputera 2017 ini berlangsung selama 2 hari bermula hari ini dan mengetengahkan kisah kejayaan inisiatif-inisiatif di bawah Hala Tuju Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 1.0. Majlis pelancaran Hala Tuju Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 2.0 pula akan disempurnakan oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak pada 19 April 2017.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to promote the participation in China ASEAN Expo 2017 (CAEXPO 2017) among Malaysian companies, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with the CAEXPO Secretariat jointly organised a series of roadshows called Promotional Conference Road Show on the 14th CAEXPO 2017.

The roadshows take place from 12 – 14 April 2017 in three major cities in Malaysia namely Georgetown, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Apart from promoting the registration in CAEXPO 2017, the roadshows are to provide a clear insight on CAEXPO, which is slated from 12 – 15 September 2017 in Nanning, China.

This year, MATRADE will be spearheading the participation of companies in a number of sectors, namely Food & Beverages, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle and Services (education, tourism, medical tourism and logistic).

CAEXPO is a major trade fair in China co-sponsored by the government of China and ASEAN countries with the objective of promoting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The theme of the 14th CAEXPO is "Jointly Build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Promote Regional Economic Integration through Tourism".

CAEXPO has been selected as one of the international trade fairs by MATRADE due to its effectiveness and importance as a strategic entry point for Malaysian companies to China and ASEAN markets. This iconic event involves the participation of key government ministries, government-linked companies and the private sector too. In 2016, the Malaysia Pavilion at CAEXPO occupied a space of 3,240 sqm (200 booths) and involved 205 Malaysian exhibitors and eight government agencies. The event last year has generated total sales of RM329.6 million for the local companies.

According to Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer, CAEXPO is the largest overseas expo that MATRADE has participated in outside of Malaysia, in terms of number of participants and space.

"This event has never failed to deliver its objectives to enhancing and increasing market access for Malaysian companies, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), into the huge China market. Throughout the years, CAEXPO has benefitted many exporters and been credited as an effective platform for SMEs from ASEAN countries to boost their businesses to China," Ir. Dr. Zainooreen Madros said.

"Apart from participating in an exhibition such as this, I would like to urge Malaysian companies to leverage on the eCommerce platforms available in China to ramp up their exports sales by showcasing their products and services on major eMarketplaces such AliBaba.com, JD.com. ule.com, ICBC online mall (Rong e Gou) and others," he added.

China is Malaysia's largest trading partner for eight consecutive years since 2009. Malaysia's total trade with China in 2016 was RM240.9 billion as compared to RM230.9 billion recorded in 2015, registering a growth of 4.4 per cent. In addition, Malaysia's exports to China were valued at RM98.6 billion and imports were at RM142.4 billion.

Malaysian companies keen to join CAEXPO 2017 are encouraged to register no later than 2 June 2017 at http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/international-trade-event-list or contact Ms. Yeow Chin Chin at 03-62077104 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

THURSDAY, 13 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: The 14th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2017), organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), concluded on 8 April 2017. The iconic Halal event is driving not only Malaysia's, but the world's Halal industry to greater heights. The event, which was launched by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 5 April 2017, showcased a wide range of Halal products and services from Malaysia and other countries.

This year, MIHAS has attracted more participations from the foreign trade delegations, introduced the Europe Pavilion for the first time to interest more non-Muslim majority countries, strategically segmentised the event into four main clusters (Food, Non-food, Services and eCommerce) , promoted the integration of high technology in Halal industry and showcased diversification through a parallel event called Malaysia Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (MILE), which featured Islamic lifestyle products.

"MIHAS 2017 is not just a trade fair. It is an engine of growth that moves the local Halal industry and also an impetus to the development of local companies, especially Small and Medium Enterprises, which make up 97 per cent of Malaysia's business establishments. For the past one decade, MIHAS has become a marketplace for local and foreign businesses to thrive in the Halal trade and to contribute significantly to the global Halal economy," said Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE.
"Apart from showcasing traditional sectors such as food and beverages (F&B), MIHAS 2017 also saw a number of exhibitors showcasing technology-driven products and services particularly from the European countries. This indicates the growing niche of Halal in global business and how it can fit into the ever-expanding Halal global supply chain," he added.

The exhibition component of the event has attracted over 576 exhibitors from 33 countries, and witnessed first-time participation from Finland and Austria. Throughout the 4-day exhibition, MIHAS 2017 received a total of 22,744 visitors comprising local and international companies, associations, foreign delegation and others.

MIHAS 2017 also received eight foreign trade delegations among who included the Federation of Halal Entrepreneurs of Five Southern Border Provinces (Thailand), Bio & Pharmaceuticals Industries Promotion Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs (Taiwan) and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cote D'ivoire (Cote D'ivoire). The objectives of the delegations' visit are to network and forge business relationships with the Halal industry players as well as to learn and explore the Halal segments in Malaysia.

In addition, the event, which took place at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, recorded a total sales of RM1.01 billion, compared to RM1.14 billion registered last year. The sales was from the event's two main components - exhibition and business matching initiative called International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Sales from the exhibition component recorded an increase of 6.8 per cent to RM709 million compared to RM664 million in 2016. While the INSP recorded generated sales of RM300 million compared to RM479 million in 2016.

The INSP, held on 4 April 2017, attracted more than 165 prospective foreign buyers from 44 countries. During the event, more than 2,000 pre-arranged business meetings were arranged between the international companies and 418 Malaysian companies. Among the top countries with the highest export sales for Malaysian companies at the INSP were China (RM70.3 million or 23.5% share), Sri Lanka (RM58.5 million or 19.6% share), Thailand (RM28 million or 9.4% share), Taiwan (RM32.6 million or 7.83% share) and the United Arab Emirates (RM4.43 million or 6.88% share).

Apart from the F&B, the top performing sectors at MIHAS 2017 exhibition were agricultural produces, business services, footwear and household products.

"With the current economic challenges, the Government has to be more prudent and efficient in its spending. With just one-third of budget spent this year as compared to last year's, the Return on Investment (ROI) for the sales generated however have doubled. Furthermore, the quality of foreign participants that resulted in 96 per cent attending the INSP was due to the diligent pre-selection process by MATRADE, " said Dr. Mohd Shahreen.

In addition, MIHAS was awarded by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the largest Halal trade fair in the country. The award was presented by Mr. Mohamad Alex Edward, the Deputy General Manager of MBR to MATRADE, represented by Dr. Mohd Shahreen. "The recognition by MBR is to appreciate MIHAS as an event that brings the world to Malaysia and for its contribution in transforming Malaysia's Halal industry from a traditional cottage industry into a vibrant and lucrative industry," said Mr Mohamad Alex.

MIHAS began in 2004 and continues to grow as the world's largest halal trade event. Held under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry in association with Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the 15th edition of MIHAS will return next year from 4 to 7 April 2018 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

"We hope to see a stronger participation among the local and foreign companies in MIHAS next year as the event will be bigger and better," Dr. Mohd Shahreen said. For more details on MIHAS, visit www.mihas.com.my.

TUESDAY, 11 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has recently been awarded by Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the largest Halal Trade Fair in Malaysia. The acknowledgement ceremony took place during MIHAS 2017 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The award was presented by Mr. Mohd Alex Edward, the Deputy General Manager, Malaysia Book of Records to MATRADE that was represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros.

"MIHAS is a well-known Halal trade event and to be recognised by MBR is a great accomplishment for our team," said Dr. Mohd Shahreen.

MBR is the world's top-5 accreditation body and is an official body that recognises record holders, record breakers and record creators in the country.

MIHAS was awarded the record following the participation of over 580 exhibitors from 33 countries in the event. "MIHAS is a congregation of industry players in the Halal industry and it stimulates not only the trade of Halal products and services but exchange of trends and knowledge in Halal," Dr Mohd Shahreen mentioned.

Launched on 5 April 2017 by YAB Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, MIHAS strengthens Malaysia's position as the global leader in the Halal industry. The event, which has been organised for the past 14 years, reflects the country's conducive Islamic economic landscape and provides an ideal platform to showcase Malaysian capabilities in the Halal industry to the world and vice versa. MIHAS is also testament to the Government's effort to promote the growth of the Halal industry, not only for Muslim-majority economy but also to non-Muslim economy.

Among the countries that took part in MIHAS this year were ASEAN countries, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa, China, Japan, Taiwan and many more. MIHAS 2017, which ended on 8 April 2017, also witnessed the participation of Austria and Finland for the first time.

MIHAS 2017 was held under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry in association with Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). MIHAS will return next year from 4 to 7 April 2018 at MATRADE International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. For more details on MIHAS, visit www.mihas.com.my.

SATURDAY, 8 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the organiser of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), encourages Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to up their efforts in incorporating new technologies in the development of their Halal products or services.

MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros in a press conference said that Malaysian companies, particularly in the Halal sector, can go further globally when they coupled their offerings with the latest technology in the world.

"Malaysia is rich in its biodiversity, resulting in a myriad of Halal products offered by local players to the world. With technology, Malaysian producers can greatly add value to their Halal products, which have already been known to have the highest level of integrity in cleanliness and quality. With scientific verification, the business impact to the companies will multiply," he mentioned.

Halal products in Malaysia are not limited to just food and beverages. The Government through its Ministries and Agencies like MATRADE are pushing for the development of high-value sectors such as medical, health and pharmaceuticals to be more prominent globally using Halal as a value proposition. Technology is another value proposition that must be explored by Malaysian SMEs to compete globally.

Halal can be incorporated into any businesses in the Halal industry's supply chain – from the sourcing of raw materials to packaging and logistics. This is the very principle of Halalan Toyibban, which simply means adopting Halal as a way of life. Technology, in this context, is a main pillar.

"MATRADE as Malaysia's trade promotion agency, would like to emphasise the importance for Malaysian companies to be more invested in technology because it is a catalyst for them to stay ahead of the game and this is the way forward for Malaysia as we strive to achieve a developed nation status. There are various platforms for them to do Research and Development such as engagement with universities like Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) that has the resources and facility to assist Malaysian companies in the technology sphere," Dr Mohd Shahreen said.

Also present at the press conference are Head of Halal Research at UPM's Halal Products Research Institute Prof. Dr Mohd Nasir Desa and representatives from SME Instrument, an association under the EU Commission.

"UPM has been working closely with the Government is assisting local companies to incorporate high technology in the development of their Halal products," Prof. Dr Mohd Nasir said.

SME Instrument is one of the participants of MIHAS 2017, placed under the Europe Pavilion. The companies – Avanticell Science Ltd (UK) and Uniq Bioresearch Ltd (Finland) – each shared their experiences in capitalising on technology to capture the Halal market.

According to Avanticell's Chief Scientific Officer Mr Colin Wilde, Malaysia has a strength in Halal and is a gateway into ASEAN. "By participating in MIHAS, we have been able to meet producers from Malaysia who can be our business partners. Their products work well with our technology and can do well in Europe too. We believe that Halal products are best in quality and cleanliness and technology can further support these products to make them even better," Wilde said.

For Uniq Bioresearch Ltd its representative, Ms Sari Akras mentioned that her brand too finds MIHAS as a perfect platform for them to work with Malaysian companies. "We are truly impressed to see a lot of products that could be exported to Europe using our technology. We are now discussing with a few parties to realise this plan," she said.

During the press conference, a simple award ceremony was also held where Malaysia Book of Records awarded MIHAS as the largest Halal trade fair. The award was presented by Malaysia Book of Records' Deputy General Manager Mr Mohd Alex Edward to Dr Mohd Shahreen, as MATRADE's representative.

MIHAS will return next year at MIHAS 2018, which will take place from 4 to 7 April 2018 at MATRADE International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Over the past 13 years, MIHAS has grown from a mere consumer event to the world's largest Halal trade fair. The event this year was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 5April 2017. The four-day exhibition is currently being held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) until 8 April 2017 and features 580 exhibitors from 33 countries. For more details on the event, visit www.mihas.com.my.

FRIDAY, 7 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as the organiser of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), celebrates the participants of MIHAS 2017 at an award ceremony, called MIHAS Awards 2017. The event pays homage to local and foreign exhibitors at MIHAS 2017 for their innovations and creativity in booth designs and product innovation.

The award's categories are, Best Malaysian Booth Design & Presentation; Best International Booth Design & Presentation; Best Country Pavilion Award and two new categories Most Innovative F&B Product and Most Innovative Non-Food & Services.

The winners are selected by a panel of judges whose representatives are from MATRADE, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), National Innovation Agency Malaysia, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), University of Malaya (UM), Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and Malaysia Design Council. The selection of the winners was made based on originality, innovative features and eco-friendly aspect.

A total of 56 entries received, with 42 coming from the Food & Beverages sector and 14 from the Non-Food & Services sector. Apart from the local entries, applications from foreign exhibitors such as from South Korea, Belgium, Indonesia, Spain, Finland, Palestine, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand were sent in.

Held for the sixth time since 2012, MIHAS Awards was introduced as a form of appreciation for the efforts made by MIHAS' participants in adopting innovation in their Halal products and services.

"With MIHAS being recognised as a world-renowned Halal trade fair, we hope for the award to add value to event's brand. We anticipate the award will soon gain a stronger traction and this will encourage more companies to participate in the future MIHAS," MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros said.

MIHAS Awards will return next year at MIHAS 2018, which will take place from 4 to 7 April 2018 at MATRADE International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Over the past 13 years, MIHAS has grown from a mere consumer event to the world's largest Halal trade fair. The event this year was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 5 April 2017. The four-day exhibition is currently being held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) until 8 April 2017 and features 580 exhibitors from 33 countries.

For more details on the event, visit www.mihas.com.my.

WEDNESDAY, 5 APRIL 2017, KUALA LUMPUR : World-renowned Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) opened its doors for the 14th time since its inception in 2004, bringing together global Halal brands and congregating industry players from around the world. Organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia, the event was officially launched by YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur (KLCC) today.

Also present at the ceremony were YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry; YB Dato' Dr Noraini Ahmad, Chairman of MATRADE; YBrs Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, CEO of MATRADE; local and foreign government officials; local and international media; business and trade associations as well as many others.

MIHAS, tagged as the world's largest Halal trade show, started today until 8 April 2017 and aims to provide a platform for Malaysian and international companies in the Halal industry to forge trade relations and exchange knowledge in business and product innovation.

MIHAS 2017, through its exhibition component, is set to highlight various segments within the global Halal industry supply chain in particular 4 main clusters - Food (ready-to-eat meals, sauces, paste and beverages); Non-Food (cosmetics and pharmaceuticals); Shariah - Compliant Services (Islamic financing, Halal logistics) and eCommerce (B2C and B2B eMarketplaces).

This year, MIHAS 2017 hosts 580 exhibitors from 33 countries. Among the participating countries include ASEAN nations, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa, China, Japan, Taiwan and many more. MIHAS also witness first time participation by Austria and Finland. The event is open to trade visitors from 5 to 8 April and open to the public (18 years and above only) on the last day. The number of visitors this year is targeted to reach 25,000 people.

MATRADE has coordinated its signature business matching event called International Sourcing Programme (INSP) in conjunction with MIHAS 2017. Held yesterday at Menara MATRADE, the INSP matched 418 Malaysian companies with 172 international buyers from all over ASEAN and Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Americas, Oceania and Europe. Over 2,200 business meetings were arranged at the INSP. Last year, MIHAS generated accumulative sales of RM1.14 billion from both the exhibition and INSP.

In addition, there will also be an Industry Zone in Hall 6 where a series of country presentations and Trade Talks on various Halal-related topics will be organised. Among the topics are Islamic Financing, Halal Logistics, Food Safety Management System and a few others. The Trade Talks, held in the format of panel discussions, will take place on 6 April 2016 from 10am to 5.30pm.

According to YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, MIHAS 2017 is a key event for Malaysia not only for it business propositions but also its role in strengthening Malaysia's position as the world's hub for Halal industry.

"MIHAS promotes the whole agenda of Halal and puts Malaysia on the map as a market leader in this highly lucrative industry. This week, Kuala Lumpur lights up with the gathering of key players from many continents. Above and beyond that, it showcases the benefits of implementing Islamic values to the world's economy," YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi said.

He added, "MIHAS reflects a success story of the public and private sector working together to develop an ecosystem that is conducive for the growth of Malaysian companies, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In Malaysia, Government interventions coupled with private sector initiatives help to drive more inclusion of SMEs in global business, in this case through the trade of Halal products and services. This, we hope could increase SMEs' contribution in export to 23% by 2020 from the current 17.8% share."

Meanwhile YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed said, "Championing the inclusion of SMEs in international business through the Halal industry is also in line with ASEAN's aspiration, what's more when the region is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year."

The Halal industry is gaining strong momentum for the past decade and much of this robust growth is fuelled by the high demand from not only Muslim population but the non-Muslims around the world.

The Halal market is currently valued at USD2.3 trillion annually with Halal food sector as its core component, valued at USD660 billion. Malaysia's exports of halal products in 2015 (latest figure) were valued at RM39.3 billion. The main Malaysian export items in the Halal sector last year were food and beverages, followed by Halal ingredients and palm oil derivatives. Among Malaysia's top export markets include China, Singapore, the United States of America and Japan. In addition, Malaysia's Halal exports are also projected to contribute 8.7% to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020, indicating its importance to the nation.

Complementing MIHAS 2017 will be the inaugural Malaysia International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (MILE), an event organised in parallel with MIHAS to promote Islamic lifestyle sector. The MILE's objective is to promote clusters such as modest fashion, Islamic education & literature, Islamic arts, IT & multimedia, jewellery and ornaments as well as social & community development.

For more details on MIHAS 2017, visit www.mihas.com.my

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: The National Export Council (NEC) has identified Electrical & Electronics (E&E) as the key sector to promote the inclusion of Malaysian companies in the global supply chain, given its significance in developing new industries that are driven by knowledge, high-technology and value-add.

The NEC, chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Hj Abdul Razak, agreed that by boosting the performance of the E&E sector more market leaders from Malaysia will be developed, hence increasing the participation of Malaysian companies in the global supply chain, particularly in emerging segments. Among these segments are System Integration, Cloud Computing, Advanced Energy Storage, Wireless Electronics, Electric Vehicle, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality and Big Data.

The E&E sector assumes a crucial role in driving the Malaysian economy and it contributed 44.6% to the country's total manufacturing exports in 2016. The E&E sector also contributed 23.4% to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 and created more than 780,000 jobs for Malaysians. The E&E Multinational Companies in Malaysia too have been identified as a catalyst to develop local SMEs into high-value corporations.

The meeting also deliberated on strategies to improve the services trade balance through the tourism industry. Specific initiatives aimed at increasing high net-worth tourist arrivals include the importance of executing high-impact promotional activities such as inviting world-famous celebrities to visit Malaysia and leveraging on social media and other digital platforms to attract more inbound tourists. Other initiatives are promoting the use of e-wallet among tourists and easing visa processing for travellers visiting Malaysia.

The NEC also emphasised on the strategies to promote the usage of local content in key local development projects. In realising this, the Government through its agencies such as Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will facilitate the matching of local suppliers with developers through industry collaboration programmes.

In addition to services balance, ongoing initiatives to improve agro food trade balance such as increasing production locally through the existing Permanent Food Production Parks & Aquaculture Industrial Zone as well as to expedite the signing of export protocols with importing countries were also presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry during the meeting.

The NEC was established in December 2014 and meets once every quarter. It is tasked with formulating strategies to drive Malaysia's exports and to chart the way forward for Malaysia to have a conducive ecosystem that promotes the development of local industries that are competitive globally.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Malaysia organised a Trade Talk on 'Doing Business with Egypt' today at Menara MATRADE to highlight to Malaysian companies the business opportunities for them in Egypt.

The event was part of the activities undertaken by the trade promotion agency to engage and boost trade and economic relations with Egypt. The event was attended by MATRADE's Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wan Latiff Wan Musa and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Malaysia, H.E. Salah Mohi Eldin Elwassimy.

"With some early positive signs emerging from the reforms undertaken by the Egyptian authorities, MATRADE expects economic ties between Malaysia and Egypt to strengthen in the near future," said Mr Wan Latiff.

The Egyptian economy has been affected by the political revolution that began in 2011. In terms of bilateral trade between Malaysia and Egypt, it been on the downtrend. Malaysia's total trade with Egypt in 2016 was only about half the volume recorded in 2010. During the period, Malaysia's exports to Egypt have been impacted. For 2016, Malaysia's total trade with Egypt decreased by 18.9% to register RM2.58 billion from RM3.18 billion recorded in 2015. Exports dropped by 6.8% to RM2.08 billion while imports were down by 47.1% to RM505.4 million.

The trade talk was organised to highlight the recent developments and reforms taking place in Egypt in its effort to rebuild the economy. Just recently, World Bank approved USD3 billion & International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved USD12 billion for various construction and infrastructure developments such as ports, roads, power generation, facilities and water treatment plants in Egypt.

"MATRADE through its Cairo trade office is closely monitoring the developments in Egypt and we will keep the local companies informed on the programmes undertaken by the Egyptian government in supporting its trade and foreign investment," Mr Wan Latiff said.

As a result of various development efforts undertaken by the Egyptian government to stimulate the economy, there are export opportunities for Malaysian companies in the areas of construction and related sectors as well as building materials. Others include machinery and equipment, furniture, automotive parts, halal products, healthcare products and services, oil and gas services and tourism-related products as well as services.

"Much need to be done to increase and deepen trade between Egypt and Malaysia. For this purpose, we need to encourage more cooperation and collaborations between the business communities in both countries which bring opportunities for Malaysian companies in the construction and related sectors," Mr Wan Latiff mentioned.

Egypt, which is the largest in term of population in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) with over 90 million people, is a very important market for Malaysian products and services as well as for cross border investment. This is due to Egypt's strategic location, its vast underlying economic potentials and Malaysia-Egypt long-standing bilateral relations and people-to-people ties.

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 Egyptian market can contact MATRADE's Cairo office by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TUESDAY, 21 MARCH 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: World-renowned Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) is all set to return for its 14th edition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event will take place from 5 to 8 April 2017 and is organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia's trade promotion agency.

MIHAS that was first introduced in 2004 aims to promote the world's Halal sector and is under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia. MIHAS 2017 will highlight segments within the global Halal industry supply chain such as Halal food & beverages products, non-food products such as Halal pharmaceuticals and Halal cosmetics products as well as Syariah-compliant services namely financial services, Halal logistics, e-commerce and tourism.

Complementing MIHAS 2017 will be the inaugural Malaysia International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (MILE), an event organised in parallel with MIHAS to promote Islamic lifestyle sector. The MILE's objective is to promote clusters such as modest fashion, Islamic education & literature, Islamic arts, IT & multimedia, jewellery and ornaments as well as social & community development.

In efforts to intensify business deals during the event, MATRADE will be coordinating its signature business matching initiative called International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Around 2,200 business meetings will take place between Malaysian and the global delegations. The INSP is a key component of MIHAS 2017 and is an effective platform to boost global trade for Halal products and services. Last year, MIHAS generated total sales of RM.1.14 billion - an increase of four per cent from 2015 – from both its exhibition and INSP.

According to MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros MIHAS is a key annual event for Malaysia as it has the capability to strengthen the country's position as a global hub for Islamic economy. "Malaysia's conducive Islamic economic landscape is exemplary to many nations, resulted in MIHAS' strong positioning around the world. MIHAS is also testament to the Malaysian Government's effort to promote the growth of the Halal industry, not only for Malaysia but for the world too," Dr Mohd Shahreen said.

MIHAS 2017 will host over 550 exhibitors from over 30 countries. Among the countries taking part in MIHAS this year are ASEAN nations, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. This year the number of visitors are targeted to reach 25,000 people and comprise trade visitors from local and international organisations, associations, foreign delegations and others.

The Halal industry is gaining strong momentum for the past decade and much of this robust growth is fuelled by the high demand from not only Muslim population but the non-Muslims too.

"MIHAS is an avenue where all stakeholders in the public and private sector from around the world work collectively to promote the trade of Halal products and services and this cohesiveness will have a direct impact to the development of the Halal ecosystem around the world," Dr Mohd Shahreen mentioned.

Inaugurated 13 years ago with the vision of making Malaysia a global halal marketplace, MIHAS has earned a reputation as the world's largest Halal trade fair. For more details on the event, visit www.mihas.com.my

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2017 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) have groomed an additional 51 Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) through its high-impact capacity building initiative called Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP). This brings the total number of MTCs facilitated under the MTCDP to 152 since its inception in 2014.

The 51 companies are under the programme's Wave 3 cohort, which began in March and ended on November 2016. For Wave 1 and 2 (held in 2014 and 2015), there were 44 and 57 participants respectively. MATRADE in a simple ceremony celebrated the Wave 3 MTCs 'graduation' at Menara MATRADE today.

The participants came from various sectors namely Engineering Services, Information and Communication Technology, Building Material & Construction, Oil & Gas and lifestyle products (textile and fashion). Among the activities organised for the Wave 3 participants included;

• country immersions
• business meetings with potential foreign business partners, distributors and customers,
• CEO networking and leadership forum,
• export best practices working sessions with industry and regional market experts
• consultation on market intelligence

Over the years, the MTCDP has been attracting a growing number of women-owned, Bumiputera, Sabah and Sarawak companies. So far, of the 152 companies, 12 are women-owned, 31 are Bumiputera and 10 are from Sabah and Sarawak.

"The MTCDP aims to build the export capability among the local MTCs. This is crucial in sustaining Malaysia's export performance because the MTCs have a stronger capacity to export, but some may lack the know-how in exporting and may not have the right market intelligence to grow their business abroad. This is why MATRADE introduced the MTCDP," MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros said.

In general, MTCs represent a key driving force behind the Malaysian economy. There are approximately 10,000 MTCs in Malaysia, and despite being just 1 per cent of all Malaysian business firms, they collectively contribute 30 per cent of the country's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ over 22 per cent of the Malaysian workforce.

The export revenues of MTCs from Wave 1, 2 and 3 of MTCDP in 2016 grew by 10.4 per cent to record RM6.821 billion as compared to RM6.178 billion in 2015. Among the major export markets explored by the MTCs include ASEAN countries, United States of America, China, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Sri Lanka, India and countries in West Asia.

The MTCDP targets companies with annual revenues between RM50 million to RM500 million for manufacturing companies and RM20 million to RM500 million for services companies. The programme was established in 2014 as one of the Government's high impact initiatives with an aspiration to accelerate the growth of Malaysian MTCs globally. The programme will be executed in 8 Waves until 2021.

"The MTCDP provides a springboard for MTCs to boost their performance overseas through customised facilitation for each of the MTC. We hope the programme will increase the participation of local MTCs in exports and spur Malaysia's trade for the benefit of the Malaysian economy," Dr. Mohd Shahreen mentioned.

Currently, MATRADE is coordinating the participation of MTCDP's Wave 4 companies (23 MTCs), which will kickstart in mid-April. Malaysian MTCs keen to know more about the programme are advised to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian companies, Informinent Sdn Bhd and TFP Solutions Berhad, have made inroads into Maldives following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on educational cooperation between the companies and Islamic University of Maldives. Through the MoU, a Made-In-Malaysia university management software called GoMyCampus Education Management System will be used to support day-to-day operations at Islamic University of Maldives.

The MoU was signed at a ceremony in Menara MATRADE and was witnessed by Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation's (MATRADE) and Mr Hassan Khalid, Counsellor of Trading of Maldives in Malaysia, High Commissioner of Maldives in Malaysia.

GoMyCampus (formally known as Cobra Campus Management System) maps out a complete university life cycle digitally to improve, simplify, synchronize and integrate the current operations and assist universities execute world-class education services to their students.

The MoU is an important step forward for the companies to develop more solutions specialising in education industry. The MoU is not only seen to strengthen the existing professional ties between the two countries, but is an important platform to promote exchange of information, experience, knowledge and best practices involving bilateral and multilateral issues.

With the support of MATRADE, Informinent Sdn Bhd and TFP Solutions Berhad, which are both MATRADE members, will continue to promote their Education Management Software to all education institutions both locally and internationally.

"As the national trade promotion agency, MATRADE will facilitate any Malaysian companies' venture overseas and we are proud that these local talents are driving the ICT sector globally. This MoU is an embodiment of Malaysian capabilities in providing turnkey solutions for the world," said Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen.

According to Dato' Jamaludin bin Hassan, Chairman of TFP Solutions Berhad, "Transformation is not always easy and through the commitment of Islamic University of Maldives, Informinent and TFP team, we managed to get our Phase 1 implementation of the University Student Admission System live within a short span of only 1 month!."

"Our business strategy is to work together with our partners and aggressively marketing our solutions locally and abroad targeting all the institutions that wish to be part of the information technology transformation, especially in the ASEAN region. Not forgetting MATRADE who is always there to help Malaysian companies like us to explore more business opportunities abroad," said Mr. Foo Haw Jan, Founder of Informinent.

The GoMyCampus software runs on all computers, notebooks, smart phones, tablets and even mobile devices with multi-languages support. The software comes with many industry standard operating procedures that help ease campus daily operations.

Malaysian capabilities in the ICT sector is gaining traction around the world and in 2016 Malaysia's ICT exports were at RM30.09 billion. Some of the top ICT products and services from Malaysia include banking, finance services and insurance (BFSI), eGovernment, cyber security, data center and business process outsourcing (BPO).

There is a huge potential for Malaysian companies to venture into Maldives not only in the ICT sector, but in other sectors namely Halal, healthcare, lifestyle, construction services and automotive. Last year, Malaysia's export to Maldives was RM484.4 million, increased by 9.2% compared to 2015 (RM443.7 million). For more details email MATRADE's Integrated Centre for Export at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KHAMIS, 16 MAC 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) dengan kerjasama Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN) menganjurkan 'Program Bimbingan MATRADE Bersama Usahawan Wanita' hari ini untuk mendedahkan kepada usahawan-usahawan wanita tempatan program-program MATRADE dan INSKEN yang boleh membantu mengembangkan perniagaan mereka ke peringkat global.

Program yang dirasmikan YB Dato' Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Pengerusi MATRADE memberi pencerahan kepada topik pembangunan keusahawanan dan kaedah mengeksport produk serta perkhidmatan ke luar negara. Selain itu, salah satu syarikat yang aktif menyertai program-program anjuran MATRADE, syarikat Dunia Herbs Sdn Bhd, telah berkongsi pengalaman dan kisah kejayaan syarikat tersebut kepada para peserta yang hadir. Segmen ini bertujuan memberi motivasi kepada usahawan-usahawan wanita untuk lebih bersedia dan kompetitif dalam menembusi pasaran global.

Di acara tersebut, MATRADE telah memberi pendedahan tentang Program WEDP yang diperkenalkan MATRADE kepada peserta. Sejak tahun 2004 sehingga 2016, program ini telah membimbing sebanyak 120 syarikat milikan wanita yang telah berjaya menembusi pasaran antarabangsa. Pada tahun 2016, sebanyak 11 syarikat milikan wanita telah diserap masuk ke dalam program WEDP dan berjaya menjana jualan eksport sebanyak RM132.33 juta. Kebanyakan syarikat-syarikat ini adalah daripada sektor makanan & minuman, gaya hidup dan teknologi maklumat (ICT).

Selain itu, MATRADE juga memberi penerangan tentang Program eTRADE yang bertujuan untuk menggalakkan syarikat-syarikat tempatan menggunakan platform e-dagang bagi meningkatkan jualan eksport mereka. Melalui Program eTRADE, syarikat-syarikat yang terpilih layak menerima insentif sebanyak RM2,500 untuk menyenaraikan jenama mereka di laman edagang terkemuka dunia seperti Alibaba.com, Amazon.com dan JD.com. Selain itu, mereka juga boleh mendapatkan latihan daripada laman e-dagang tersebut. Program eTRADE ini diharap dapat membantu meningkatkan dan memperluaskan penampilan syarikat-syarikat tempatan di pasaran antarabangsa, sejajar dengan matlamat kerajaan untuk meningkatkan sumbangan eksport PKS daripada 17.6% kepada 23% menjelang 2020. Penglibatan wanita dalam perniagaan antarabangsa juga adalah seiring dengan Pelan Induk PKS ASEAN 2016 yang menekankan inklusiviti dalam perniagaan global di kalangan wanita.

"Sebagai agensi galakan eksport negara, MATRADE akan terus menggiatkan usaha untuk melibatkan wanita dalam aktiviti eksport. Saya ingin menyarankan syarikat-syarikat wanita di Malaysia untuk berdaftar sebagai ahli MATRADE untuk memulakan langkah dalam industri eksport, " kata Dato' Dr. Noraini Ahmad.

Sebagai ahli MATRADE, syarikat akan mendapat maklumat peluang penyertaan di dalam aktiviti galakan perdagangan seperti padanan perniagaan (business matching) selain mendapat akses kepada maklumat-maklumat terkini perdagangan dan pasaran melalui medium 'Trade Leads', 'Market Alert', 'MATRADE Online News' yang disediakan MATRADE. Mereka juga perlu memanfaatkan fasiliti seperti Pusat Informasi Perniagaan dan Pusat Integrasi Eksport yang terletak di Menara MATRADE.

Sehingga pertengahan bulan Mac 2017, terdapat lebih kurang 19,000 syarikat Malaysia telah berdaftar dengan MATRADE dan daripada jumlah tersebut, 14% merupakan pengeksport wanita.

Program yang diadakan di Menara MATRADE hari ini telah dihadiri oleh seramai 100 peserta termasuk usahawan-usahawan wanita yang menyertai Program Wanita Kreatif Fest yang berlangsung tahun lepas. Program Wanita Kreatif Fest merupakan program tahunan dengan objektif untuk meningkatkan prestasi dan kreativiti di kalangan usahawan wanita melalui aktiviti-aktiviti seperti padanan perniagaan, sesi Bicara Niaga atau Biz Sharing Talk, pitching session, aktiviti jualan bazaar, pameran kerjaya, acara pentas, lelongan amal dan persembahan kebudayaan.

Program taklimat yang diadakan hari ini merupakan salah satu usaha Kerajaan di bawah Kempen Beyond Nations MATRADE yang telah dilancarkan oleh YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak pada 1 September 2016. Program ini bertujuan untuk 'merakyatkan eksport' dan menambah jumlah pengeksport negara daripada semua golongan masyarakat terutamanya wanita.

RABU, 15 MAC 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) dengan kerjasama SIRIM Berhad menganjurkan Sesi Taklimat bertajuk "Ke Arah Pasaran Eksport" hari ini untuk mendedahkan kepada syarikat Malaysia tentang manfaat Pusat Intergrasi Eksport (ICE) serta kepentingan rekabentuk dan pembungkusan untuk pasaran eksport.

ICE yang diperkenalkan MATRADE pada bulan Disember 2014 berfungsi sebagai pusat sehenti untuk syarikat-syarikat tempatan yang sedang mengeksport dan akan mengeksport mendapatkan informasi berkaitan eksport. Bertempat di Tingkat 2, Menara MATRADE, ICE dibuka kepada orang awam pada setiap hari Rabu dan Khamis, dari jam 9.00 pagi sehingga 5.00 petang.

Antara wakil-wakil agensi yang terlibat di Pusat Integrasi Eksport ini selain daripada MATRADE adalah Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI), Kementerian Pertanian (MOA), Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM), SME Corp., Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia, EXIM Bank, SME Bank, SIRIM QAS, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) dan Pembangunan Industri Kewangan Malaysia Berhad (MIDF). Dengan penubuhan ICE, syarikat tempatan tidak perlu ke beberapa lokasi untuk mendapatkan akses kepada maklumat penting dalam menjalankan perniagaan mereka di peringkat antarabangsa.

"Pusat ini bertujuan untuk menambahbaik sistem penyampaian agensi Kerajaan kepada syarikat-syarikat tempatan terutamanya PKS. Ia berfungsi sebagai sebuah pusat sehenti khidmat nasihat dan menyeluruh merangkumi maklumat berkaitan insentif kerajaan, perkhidmatan perbankan, logistik serta standard dan pensijilan. Penubuhan ICE di MATRADE ini diharap dapat mengukuhkan pemahaman eksport di kalangan PKS dan secara tidak langsung mambantu mencapai sasaran sumbangan eksport PKS daripada 17.6% kepada 23% menjelang tahun 2020," kata Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen.

Di program ini juga, SIRIM Berhad berkongsi maklumat tentang kepentingan mempertingkatkan kualiti produk mereka dari segi rekabentuk, teknik percetakan, keselamatan dan pembungkusan produk untuk menembusi pasaran antarabangsa.

Sesi taklimat ini dirasmikan YBrs. Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MATRADE dan turut dihadiri oleh YBhg. Dato' Dr. Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof, Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan SIRIM. Antara agensi-agensi yang terlibat dalam menyampaikan taklimat kepada peserta-peserta termasuklah SME Bank, EXIM Bank, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), SME Corp, dan MIDF.

Seramai 70 peserta yang terdiri daripada usahawan-usahawan terlibat di dalam program ini. Peserta-peserta ini telah pun menyertai Program InnoPack anjuran SIRIM dan telah berjaya mempromosikan produk mereka di pasaraya serta telah dikenal pasti bersedia untuk mengeksport.

Sejak diperkenalkan pada tahun 2014, program InnoPack ini telah membimbing lebih daripada 200 perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) setiap tahun. Pada tahun 2016, seramai 264 usahawan PKS telah menyertai program ini manakala seramai 1,399 usahawan telah menerima latihan dan khidmat nasihat daripada PSDC. Melalui program InnoPack, usahawanusahawan yang terlibat diberikan bantuan dan nasihat daripada SIRIM tentang konsep rekabentuk jenama, aplikasi kesesuaian bahan pembungkusan, rekabentuk grafik, pengujian nutrisi makanan, pendaftaran cap dagangan serta pengeluaran percetakan bahan pembungkusan.

Program yang dianjurkan di Menara MATRADE hari ini merupakan kolaborasi strategik antara agensi-agensi Kerajaan, selari dengan Strategi Lautan Biru Kebangsaan bagi memaksimumkan penggunaan sumber sedia ada dan berpegang kepada prinsip kos rendah, berimpak tinggi dan pelaksanaan yang pantas.

THURSDAY, 9 MARCH 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) introduces Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) new logo today to commemorate the event's contribution to the growth of world's Halal industry for the past 14 years.

MIHAS, organised by MATRADE, has earned a reputation as the world's largest Halal trade fair and is a business platform for the local and international companies in the Halal industry to converge and trade with one another. Over the years, the event has been progressing in tandem with the development of the Halal industry. The new logo reflects MIHAS' progression in keeping up with the time and the market dynamics.

MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainoreen Madros said it is vital for MIHAS to undergo the rebranding exercise to boost its relatability with the event's stakeholders. "This exercise will help to create stronger engagement with all the various stakeholders such as the local and foreign industry players as well as the public at large," said Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen.

The new MIHAS logo was inspired by the Arabic Kufic writing and represents the progressiveness and uniqueness of MIHAS. The colours of the logo – a combination of orange, blue and white – signify strength, optimism and openness.

When MIHAS first started in 2004, there were only four key sectors namely food, beverages, financial services and cosmetics featured at the event. 13 years later, MIHAS 2017, set to take place from 5 to 8 April, will grow to include three main clusters namely Food Clusters (Food & Beverages), Non-Food Clusters (Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics) and Services Clusters (Syariah Compiliance Services, Islamic finance, Halal Tourism, Halal Logistics and e-Commerce in Halal).

Complementing MIHAS this year will be the inaugural Malaysia International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (MILE), an event organised in parallel with MIHAS. Aimed at promoting Islam as part of lifestyle, MILE 2017 will feature clusters such as modest fashion, Islamic education & literature, Islamic arts, IT & multimedia, jewellery and ornaments as well as social & community development.

In efforts to intensify business deals during the event, MATRADE will be coordinating its signature business matching initiative called International Sourcing Programme (INSP) to match the local companies with foreign buyers. Over 2,200 meetings are expected to take place.

According to Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen, MIHAS is a key annual event for Malaysia as it has the capability to strengthen the country's position as a global hub for Islamic economy. "Malaysia's conducive Halal ecosystem is exemplary to many nations, resulted in MIHAS' strong positioning around the world. MIHAS is also a testament to the Government's effort to promote and market Malaysian Halal products and services to the world, without the local companies having to travel overseas," Dr Mohd Shahreen mentioned.

MIHAS 2017 will host more that 550 exhibitors from over 30 countries and among the countries taking part in MIHAS this year are ASEAN member states, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, just to name a few. Last year, 543 companies from 29 countries participated in the event and more than 22,000 visitors attended the occasion. This year, the visitors who comprise trade visitors from local and international organisations, associations, foreign delegations and others are expected to reach 25,000 people.

In 2005, MIHAS only generated sales of RM683.2 million but in 2016, the event has successfully recorded sales valued at RM1.14 billion.

For more details on the event, visit www.mihas.com.my or follow MIHAS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) joined forces with Alibaba.com to organise two seminars titled Global B2B eCommerce Opportunities for Furniture Industry with Alibaba.com in conjunction with the Malaysia International Furniture Fair 2017 (MIFF 2017) and Export Furniture Exhibition 2017 (EFE 2017). The two seminars will take place on 11 March 2017 from 10am to 12.30pm at Putra World Trade Centre and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre concurrently.

Supported by the organisers of MIFF 2017 and EFE 2017 - UBM (M) Sdn. Bhd and EFE Expo Sdn Bhd respectively - the seminars will feature speakers from MATRADE and Alibaba's appointed Malaysian agents. The capacity building initiative aims to create a stronger awareness on the opportunities to sell furniture products globally, via eCommerce platforms for the Malaysian furniture companies. At the seminars, the participants will also be updated with training activities and incentives provided from MATRADE's eTRADE Programme, which was introduced in 2014 to facilitate Malaysian companies' adoption of online export.

Interested Malaysian furniture companies are urged to register online by the 10 March 2017 at goo.gl/m1fal2 (for MIFF) and goo.gl/TmbrLj (for EFE) to secure a spot at the free seminars. For more details contact Ms. Maisyarah Mohyidin (03-6207 7351 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Mohd Hafizi Yusoff (03-6207 7312 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) jointly organised a seminar titled Designing and Safety Requirements to Sell Furniture, Toys and Electrical Products in the United States of America (USA) to help enhance Malaysian companies' understanding on designing and safety requirements set by CPSC before they could sell their products in the American market.

The seminar, which took place today at Menara MATRADE, was a continuity of CPSC's partnership with MATRADE last year through a similar seminar that was focused on only the furniture industry. This year, the scope of the seminar has been widened to benefit more industry players in Malaysia. The seminar gathered 80 participants who comprised local exporting companies and prospective exporters in the furniture, toys and electrical products segment.

Among the topics highlighted at the seminar were on key procedural requirements, third party testing, certification and standards, technical regulations and consumer product safety requirements. The talks were given by Mr Jake Miller and Ms Tilven M.Bernal from CPSC.

The USA is one of the major markets for Malaysia's exports of furniture, electrical & electronics consumer and toys. In 2016, furniture exports to the US rose by 8.9 percent to reach RM3.09 billion, accounting for 32% of Malaysia's total furniture exports that stood at RM9.53 billion and grew by 4.2%. Exports of toys to the USA grew 21% to record RM225.6 million, accounting for 33% of Malaysia's total exports of toys (RM 693.50 million) which have risen by 10%. Meanwhile, exports of electrical & electronics consumer products to the US in 2016 have declined by 6.8% to reach RM3.69 billion or (7.9% of Malaysia's total exports of electrical & electronics consumer products). The decline in exports of electrical products to the US was due to slower demand for such products as vacuum cleaners self-contained electric motor and radio broadcast receivers.

MATRADE as Malaysia's trade promotion agency encourages Malaysian companies to equip themselves with the knowledge on market entry requirements to ensure the success of their export plans. The local industry players may engage with MATRADE to seek trade advisory prior to entering a foreign market such as the US, especially because each market around the world imposes different sets of rules and regulations.

As an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, MATRADE offers various trade advisory to Malaysian companies, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises that make up around 97 per cent of Malaysia's business establishments. MATRADE's advisory services are free for Malaysian companies and can greatly help Malaysian companies to become global champions. Local companies in the furniture, toys and electrical products 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.

SELASA, 7 MAC, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Pembangungan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (MATRADE) dan Persatuan Usahawan Muda ASEAN Malaysia (MAAYE) anjur Program Inkubator Jaguh Eksport ASEAN (IJEA) di Kelantan untuk mengukuhkan pengetahuan perniagaan perusahaan luar bandar di dalam aktiviti eksport.

Program IJEA telah dilancarkan pada Jun tahun lepas di Karnival Usahawan Muda ASEAN yang dirasmikan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed. Program ini adalah sebahagian daripada inisiatif Kempen Beyond Nations anjuran MATRADE yang bertujuan untuk merakyatkan eksport di kalangan penduduk Malaysia. Kempen Beyond Nations telah dilancarkan pada September 2016 oleh YAB Perdana Menteri Malaysia Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

Program IJEA melibatkan empat fasa iaitu Tadbir Urus Syarikat; Komunikasi, Penjenamaan dan Pemasaran; Pembiayaan dan Kewangan serta Ketahui Eksport. Peserta-peserta di dalam program ini berpeluang mempelajari topik-topik seperti pendaftaran harta intelek, pemasaran digital, penjenamaan, komunikasi antarabangsa, akses pasaran, padanan perniagaan dan banyak lagi. Inisiatif ini bertujuan untuk mempersiapkan usahawan-usahawan di kawasan luar bandar dengan skil dan kebolehan untuk mengeksport ke pasaran antarabangsa.

Dalam edisi pertama Program IJEA ini, usahawan-usahawan dari Gabungan Usahawan Parlimen Jeli (GUPJ) telah dipilih sebagai kumpulan perintis. Usahawan GUPJ ini dipilih berikutan lokasi Jeli yang strategik dan adanya pergerakan aktif dalam aktiviti eksport rentas sempadan. Tambahan, Jeli juga mempunyai kelompok usahawan mikro yang ramai - sekurang-kurangnya 700 pengusaha mikro berstatus Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (IKS) dari sektor pertanian, penternakan, pembuatan, runcit, gaya hidup dan makanan.

MATRADE melalui satu kenyataan berkata Program IJEA adalah seiring dengan aspirasi Pelan Pembangunan PKS ASEAN 2016 yang berfokus kepada inklusiviti dan penglibatan menyeluruh usahawan luar bandar dalam perniagaan antarabangsa. "Dengan teknologi digital, lebih ramai di kalangan komuniti perniagaan Malaysia yang dapat melibatkan diri dalam aktiviti eksport. Walaupun impak dari segi jualan tidak berapa besar, program sebegini memberi kesan yang positif kepada pembangunan sosio ekonomi negara kerana adanya elemen akses pasaran," kata MATRADE di dalam satu kenyataan.

"Program ini akan dapat meningkatkan daya saing dan memupuk kepada pembentukan komuniti perniagaan yang lebih produktif. Inisiatif ini akan mampu meningkatkan kualiti hidup bukan sahaja kepada kehidupan usahawan luar bandar tetapi kepada komuniti perniagaan di kawasan mereka," kata Pengasas MAAYE, Tuan Syed Nabil Al Jeffri. Beliau menambah, Program IJEA ini adalah sesuai untuk dijadikan 'case study' kepada negara-negara ASEAN yang lain.

Program IJEA akan berlangsung sehingga bulan Julai 2017 dan mungkin akan dikembangkan ke kawasan luar bandar yang lain di seluruh Malaysia. Untuk maklumat lanjut, emel kepada This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's very own Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) is all set to return for its 14th edition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event will take place from 5 to 8 April 2017 and is organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the country's trade promotion agency.

The world-renowned event aims to promote Malaysia's Halal sector and is under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry. MIHAS 2017 will highlight segments within the global Halal industry supply chain such as Halal food & beverages products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and machinery, among others. This year, a segment on services sector, particularly on financial services, halal logistics, e-commerce and tourism will also be introduced.

Complementing MIHAS 2017 will be the inaugural Malaysia International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (MILE), an event organised in parallel with MIHAS to promote Islamic lifestyle products. The MILE aims to promote clusters such as modest fashion, Islamic education & literature, Islamic arts, IT & multimedia, jewellery and ornaments as well as social & community development.

In efforts to intensify business deals during the event, MATRADE will be adding value to its signature business matching initiative called International Sourcing Programme (INSP) by potentially organising site visits to highlight Malaysian companies' operations to foreign buyers, apart from coordinating business meetings for the participants. This added value is intended to influence business decisions among the potential foreign buyers who are matched with the local suppliers and improve the rapport between these industry players, for long-term benefits. Last year, MIHAS generated total sales of RM.1.14 billion - an increase of four per cent from 2015 – from both the exhibition and INSP sales.

According to MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros MIHAS is a key annual event for Malaysia as it has the capability to strengthen the country's position as a global hub for Islamic economy. "Malaysia's conducive Islamic economic landscape is exemplary to many nations, resulted in MIHAS' strong positioning around the world. MIHAS is also a testament to the Government's effort to promote and market Malaysian companies Halal products and services to the world, without the local companies having to travel overseas," Dr Mohd Shahreen said.

MIHAS 2017 will host 633 exhibitors from over 30 countries and among the countries taking part in MIHAS this year are ASEAN member countries, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, just to name a few. Last year, 543 companies from 29 countries participated in the event and the event welcomed more than 22,000 visitors. This year the number of visitors is targeted to reach 25,000 people. The visitors comprise trade visitors from local and international organisations, associations, foreign delegations and others.

The Halal industry is gaining strong momentum for the past decade and much of this robust growth is fuelled by the high demand from not only Muslim population but the non-Muslims too.

"MIHAS is an avenue where all stakeholders in the public and private sector from Malaysia work collectively to promote the trade of Halal products and services, which will have a direct impact to the development of Islamic economy's ecosystem around the world," Dr Mohd Shahreen mentioned.

Inaugurated in 2004 with the vision of becoming a global halal marketplace, MIHAS has earned a reputation as the world's largest Halal trade fair. For more details on the event, visit www.mihas.com.my / www.mihas2017.my.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian food and beverage exporters to the United States of America need to be aware that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA or FDA) will start enforcing the Foreign Supplier Verification Programme (FSVP) rule from May 2017 onwards. This measure is part of the country's Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2011.

The FSVP rule, designed to ensure the safety and compliance of imported food from foreign suppliers, requires non-exempted importers to establish written procedures for evaluating the hazards and risks associated with each foreign supplier and imported food.

This new rule makes US-based food importers responsible in ensuring that their imports are produced in a manner that is consistent with the US food safety standards. More specifically, importers will be responsible for determining known or reasonably foreseeable hazards with each food.

These hazards can be physical or chemical including radiological and microbial in nature. Importers must evaluate the risk of each food, based on hazard analysis and the foreign supplier's performance. Based on this information, the importer is to approve the suppliers and establish the appropriate supplier verification activities. The importer is responsible for conducting supplier verification activities and for the corrective actions for any nonconformance of these activities. These procedures must be documented and be followed by the importer. Malaysian exporters must take note that the FSVP programs are specific to each food and supplier. The importer will determine which supplier verification activities are appropriate, based on the evaluation of the risk. One of these activities, the annual onsite audits of the supplier's facility, is generally required when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the hazard will result in serious adverse health consequences, or death to humans or animals. Consequently, Malaysian food exporters to the US will likely need to undergo auditing process on their factories and record keeping procedures.

According to Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, as US consumers demand variety, quality and convenience in the foods they consume, the market opportunity for processed food in the US remains large. "Malaysian food exporters to the US and those seeking to enter the market should take necessary steps to ensure that their products meet all safety and compliance requirements. By doing this, it will not only provide a great advantage to them but it signals Malaysian exporters' reliability in meeting global standards," Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros said.

Malaysia's exports of processed food to the USA reached USD155.4 million (RM639 million) during the period January-November 2016. Among the top products exported include cocoa & cocoa products, cereals, edible products, processed seafood and prepared fruits & vegetables.

TUESDAY, 31 JANUARY 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) announced the appointment of Ir Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen B. Madros as MATRADE's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the retirement of his predecessor Dato' Dzulkifli Mahmud on 31 January 2017. Dr Mohd Shahreen will assume the new responsibility starting from 2 February 2017.

Dr Mohd Shahreen who was an Executive Director at Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) prior to his position at MATRADE, is upbeat on the appointment and aspires to continue strengthening MATRADE's solid foundation as Malaysia's export promotion agency.

"Moving forward, it is imperative for MATRADE to continue forging strategic partnerships with all relevant stakeholders in both private and public sector such as various Ministries, Agencies, Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Business Councils. This is to ensure Malaysia will remain competitive at the global front," said Dr Shahreen.

He added that such partnerships will have a direct influence to the local business community and with all stakeholders moving together to achieve the same goal – to contribute to the wellbeing of the economy – Malaysia will remain as one of the top trading nations in the world.

Dr Shahreen who is the seventh CEO of MATRADE holds a First Class Honors degree from University of London in 1986 and a Doctorate from University of Cambridge in 1989. Prior to MATRADE and MPRC, he was with Esso Production Malaysia Inc (EPMI) and was assigned to Exxon Production Research Company in Houston, Texas for two years. After EPMI, Dr Shahreen joined INTEC Engineering and was involved in offshore design consultancy works for local and international clients.

MATRADE as the national export promotion agency is a body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Its main role is to drive the exports of Malaysian products and services to the world. For the past 23 years since its establishment, MATRADE plays a key role in sustaining Malaysia's trade surplus, which Malaysia has enjoyed for 19th consecutive years.

Among its services include providing trade advisory and market intelligence; organising Exporters Development Programme, International Sourcing Programme and Export Acceleration Mission. To date, MATRADE has 46 trade offices around the world that function to identify new export opportunities and to connect Malaysian companies with foreign buyers. For more details on MATRADE, visit www.matrade.gov.my.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and China Intercontinental Communication Co.,Ltd (CICC) marked a momentous occasion today by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote trade of creative contents between Malaysia and China. The MoU signing was witnessed by Minister II of International Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

MATRADE was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dato' Dzulkifli Mahmud and CICC by its Vice President Mr. Jing Shuiqing.

The MoU aims to strengthen communication and cooperation between media organisations in China and Malaysia by leveraging on China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. The MoU will see MATRADE and CICC working together to link industry players from both countries to embark on exchange of creative content (such as films, documentaries and television shows, among others) and business matching (through MATRADE's International Sourcing Programme) for the purpose of driving trade of creative contents for both nations. The collaboration will strengthen the existing professional ties between both countries and could also initiate the sharing of experience, knowledge and best practices with China.

According to Dato' Dzulkifli, the MoU is an important step forward for both parties to promote cultural exchange through each other's media channels. "This partnership will facilitate and coordinate the communications between media players of both countries. With this partnership, Malaysian media can rest assured that they have a partner in China to assist them in areas such as co-productions," he said.

The Malaysian government has identified creative content as one of the Entry Point Projects (EPP) under the Economic Transformation Programme to enhance capacity, capability and competency of the industry in producing world-class content and additionally making Malaysia a regional hub for digital content.
In the EPP, the creative content industry is expected to contribute RM3.04 billion to Gross National Income (GNI) and produce more than 10,000 jobs by year 2020. The industry is also targeted to have an annual growth rate of 20 percent.

In the latest figures recorded in 2015, creative content contributed RM9.55 billion and represents 6.4 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To date, Malaysia has exported RM6.8 billion worth of creative contents.

With China as one of Malaysia's biggest trading partners, the MoU sets to further strengthen China's and Malaysia's relationship by leveraging on the OBOR Initiative, which is a development strategy and framework of China's government to boost connectivity and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.

MATRADE as Malaysia's export promotion agency provides various export facilitation such as market intelligence, trade advisory, export promotion and capacity building programme for Malaysian companies. The agency, under MITI, has trade offices in Beijing (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Shanghai (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Guangzhou (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Chengdu (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) that functioned to help Malaysian companies penetrate into the China market.

THURSDAY, 12 JANUARY, 2017 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Corporation (MATRADE) organised a TradeTalk@MATRADE titled Exploring Business Opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, to create a better awareness on export opportunities for Malaysian companies to the country on the Balkan Peninsula. The event was organised with the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The highlight of the session was a presentation by His Excellency Emir Hadzikadunic, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Malaysia and as well as a knowledge sharing session by Selia Group.

According to Dato' Dzulkifli Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, the talk provides avenue for Malaysian companies particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to keep abreast with the latest updates on the Bosnian market. "Apart from increasing the awareness on export opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the session also helped the participants to understand the challenges to export to Bosnia and could better prepare themselves in penetrating the market," he said. Additionally, the talk also emphasised the strategies for Malaysian companies to penetrate the Bosnian market.

With a population of 3.8 million people, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a strategic geographical location in the Balkan region and can be considered a gateway into the other Balkan countries and Europe too. Bosnia has recovered significantly since the war in the early 1990s and its government has implemented various initiatives to rebuild the nation. The country is planning to submit its EU membership application this year to further integrate itself in the global business.

"Malaysian companies are encouraged to leverage on the strong relationship Malaysia has fostered with Bosnia and use the country as a gateway to other markets such as Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Hungary," Dato' Dzulkifli mentioned. He added, "There are various areas of collaboration for Malaysian and Bosnian companies to venture into namely in food products (especially halal food), rubber products, electrical and electronic products, hospitality as well as tourism".

In 2015, Malaysia's total trade with Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to RM14.9 million. Malaysia's exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina were valued at RM2.1 million in the same year while imports totalled at RM12.8 million. For the period of January to November 2016, trade with Bosnia and Herzegovina was valued at RM2.4 million and exports were valued at RM1.5 million and imports at RM1 million.

Among the main exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina are electrical and electronic products, processed food, rubber products and optical & scientific equipment. Major imports from Bosnia and Herzegovina include chemicals & chemical products, wood products, textiles, apparels & footwear, and electrical & electronic products.

Malaysian companies that are keen to explore the Bosnia and Herzegovina market can contact MATRADE's Warsaw office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Enquiries on MATRADE's future training and other capacity programmes can be directed to 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..