MATRADE's Success Stories
World Trade Promotion Organization (WTPO) Awards
MATRADE won World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Award by International Trade Centre (ITC)
MATRADE won World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Award under the “Best Use of Information Technology” category for organising the virtual edition of the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in 2021.
MATRADE was among the four finalists nominated in this category together with TPOs from Austria, Canada, and the United Republic of Tanzania. The winner for this and other categories, namely, ‘Best Use of a Partnership’ and ‘Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade’ were announced at the 13th World Trade Promotion Organizations Conference and Awards held in Accra, Ghana, on 17 May 2022. Detailed press release on MATRADE’s recognition by International Trade Centre at https://intracen.org/news-and-events/news/global-award-winners-for-trade-promotion-initiatives-jamaica-malaysia-and
According to the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC), by digitising the Malaysia International Halal Showcase in 2021, SME exports continued to grow in the halal industry despite Covid-19 disruptions. The virtual showcase opened up new markets and made business connections more convenient and cost-effective.
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz mentioned, this recognition is a resounding testament of MATRADE’s capabilities as a world-class national trade promotion agency. The award is a realisation of MATRADE’s aspiration to showcase Malaysia and bring Malaysian exports to greater heights.
In 2020, MATRADE was also awarded the 2nd runner-up for the “Best Use of Information Technology” category for MyExport online service.
For MIHAS 2022, we invite Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers to participate and visit https://www.mihas.com.my/website/
MATRADE was awarded the 2nd runner-up for World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Awards 2020 for the "Best Use of Information Technology" category for MyExport online service. MyExport is a digital platform which allows Malaysian exporters to access real-time key trade information and market intelligence.
MATRADE was among six finalists nominated under the category together with other TPOs from Brazil, China, Georgia, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
The World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Awards 2020 was organised by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations.
Every two years, the ITC collaborates with a national Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) to host the TPO Network Conference. In 2020, the event was held hybrid for the first time, combining both online and on site Awards ceremony in Geneva on 14 October 2020.
This annual award recognises excellence in trade support services by the national TPOs in delivering export development initiatives to build capabilities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in international markets.
The award reflects the international recognition of MATRADE's efforts in digitalisation initiatives to develop innovative and effective programmes to assist Malaysian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
MATRADE encourage Malaysian exporters to utilise MyExport services frequently to leverage on the market intelligence, which is accessible real time, sourced from more than 40 MATRADE offices worldwide in penetrating the global market.
MyExport WTPO Awards 2020
MATRADE was awarded the 2nd runner-up for World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Awards 2020 for the "Best Use of Information Technology" category for MyExport online service. MyExport is a digital platform which allows Malaysian exporters to access real-time key trade information and market intelligence.
MATRADE was among six finalists nominated under the category together with other TPOs from Brazil, China, Georgia, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
The World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Awards 2020 was organised by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations.
Every two years, the ITC collaborates with a national Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) to host the TPO Network Conference. In 2020, the event was held hybrid for the first time, combining both online and on site Awards ceremony in Geneva on 14 October 2020.
This annual award recognises excellence in trade support services by the national TPOs in delivering export development initiatives to build capabilities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in international markets.
The award reflects the international recognition of MATRADE's efforts in digitalisation initiatives to develop innovative and effective programmes to assist Malaysian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
MATRADE encourage Malaysian exporters to utilise MyExport services frequently to leverage on the market intelligence, which is accessible real time, sourced from more than 40 MATRADE offices worldwide in penetrating the global market.
Malaysia Book of Records (MBR)
Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has been awarded by Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the largest Halal Trade Fair in Malaysia.
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 MIHAS 2017. Among the countries that took part in MIHAS 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.
The Third Country Training Programmes (TCTP)
Background of The Third Country Training Programmes (TCTPs) for African Countries
Malaysia supports 139 developing countries under the framework of the South-South Cooperation since 1980 via the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). In 1983, Japan started its Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) in Malaysia. Subsequently, Malaysia and Japan began to collaborate in 1992 to assist developing countries under the MTCP Recipient List within this TCTP arrangement. Meantime, upon the launch of Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in 1993 by the Government of Japan, JICA streamlined its TCTP in line with the TICAD Initiative.
The objectives of the programme are:
- To share Malaysia’s and Japan’s experience in trade promotion among participating countries; and
- To raise awareness among participants of global and regional trade developments and issues
Course Background – TCTP: Trade Promotion for African Countries
The TCTP is a capacity building collaboration project between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Japan with the objective of sharing Malaysian and Japanese expertise and experiences in trade promotion strategies and programmes with selected African countries.
This programme is a tripartite cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Malaysia, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as the implementing agency or the training institution (TI).
The course aims to strengthen trade relations between Malaysia and countries of participants through:
- Fostering closer rapport among participants’ countries through sharing of expertise in trade promotion; and
- Establishing networking between MATRADE, JICA and Trade Promotion Agencies (TPOs) of participating countries to explore export opportunities for Malaysia in the participating countries as well as providing platform for networking and future collaborations
MATRADE has organised 6 TCTPs:
- Trade Facilitation for African Countries – 2013
- Trade Facilitation for African Countries – 2015
- Trade Promotion for African Countries – 2016
- Trade Promotion for African Countries – 2017
- Trade Promotion for African Countries – 2018
- Trade Promotion for African Countries – 2019
TPO Network World Conference & Awards 2012
The 9th TPO Network World Conference and Awards jointly organised by MATRADE and International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva was officially opened by YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry in a simple yet memorable ceremony at MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). The conference, a biennial event first launched in 1996. The 9th conference brought together more than 200 delegates from 65 countries to address the theme "Transforming TPOs Business through Innovation".
The highlight for the conference was the TPO Network Awards Night which was graced by Datuk Rebecca Sta Maria, Secretary General of MITI, Dr. Wong Lai Sum, CEO of MATRADE and Ms Patricia Francis, Executive Director of ITC. The list of winners at this year’s award were rounded by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) [Small Island Developing State], Uganda Export Promotion Board [Least Developed Country], ProMexico Trade and Investment (ProMexico) [Developing Country], Advantage Austria [Developed Country] and Special Mention Award to Swiss Trade and Invest (OSEC) Switzerland for its Pool of Experts initiative.
During the closing ceremony, ITC Executive Director in her remarks praised MATRADE for its professionalism in organising the 9th TPO Network World Conference and Awards, being the first time it was held in South East Asia.
International Recognitions
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was awarded the ASEAN Master Class Award in ASEAN Development Contribution at the ASEAN Outstanding Business Award (AOBA) 2017 that recognises MATRADE's efforts in facilitating Malaysian enterprises expand their business into the global markets particularly to ASEAN. MATRADE is the only government agency from Malaysia to receive the award, which was organised by the ASEAN Retail-Chains and Franchise Federation (ARFF) on 30 September 2017. The award was presented by the Malaysian Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Tan Sri Haji Noh Haji Omar. With this recognition, MATRADE will continue to boost its export promotion activities especially to its main export market, ASEAN, and continue to serve Malaysian companies in their venture to become global champions from Malaysia.
The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is a special event co-sponsored by China and the 10 ASEAN countries. It is the only international trade fair which themes on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and aims at promoting the reciprocal cooperation and common development of China and ASEAN. Guangxi, the host province of the CAEXPO, is the closest province in China to ASEAN both by sea and land passages, while its Guangxi Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Zone is an important international regional economic zone in China, with prominent potentials and abundant business opportunities.
Under the Framework Agreement on China-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, CAEXPO focuses on regional economic and trade cooperation. Main objectives of CAEXPO are:
- Promoting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area;
- Enhancing bilateral trade relation, investment and tourism between ASEAN and China.
CAEXPO is one of the biggest international exposition in China sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the most influential exposition for “10+1” cooperation.
MATRADE, as the lead agency, has been coordinating Malaysia's participation in CAEXPO since 2004. The lists of awards received by MATRADE for participation in CAEXPO are as follows:
2018
- Outstanding Organiser
- Best Industry Organiser
- Best Promotion on Investment Cooperation
- Best City of Charm Pavilion
2017
- Best Trade Visitor Organiser
- Best Industry Organiser
2015
- The 12th China-ASEAN Expo Best Exhibition Organiser
- The 12th China-ASEAN Expo Best Industry Organiser
- The 12th China-ASEAN Expo City of Charm
2014
- The 11th China-ASEAN Expo Best Exhibition Organiser
- The 11th China-ASEAN Expo Best Promotion Investment Cooperation
2013
- CAEXPO 10th Anniversary Excellent Organiser
- CAEXPO 10th Anniversary Special Contribution
2012
- 9th CAEXPO Best Organiser of Exhibitor
- 9th CAEXPO Best Organiser of Investment Cooperation
With the joint efforts between China and ASEAN in organising the expo, there will be more bilateral cooperation under CAFTA in promoting trade among participating countries through CAEXPO which focuses on regional economic and trade cooperation and provides enormous opportunities for the business communities, especially for Malaysian exporters to penetrate into this huge market. CAEXPO will also serve as a platform to promote and further strengthen the cooperation and exchange of trade and investment between Malaysia and China.
MATRADE's outreach and level of services have been recognised internationally. In 2008, MATRADE received international recognition for its excellent service as a national trade promotion agency from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and General Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan.
The IDB has awarded MATRADE the prestigious Islamic Solidarity Prize in recognition of its efforts in promoting trade among OIC member nations. Among OIC member states, MATRADE was the first institution to win the prize under the category of trade promotion.
Caption: President of the Islamic Development Bank Group H.E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali (left) and President of Turkey H.E. Dr. Abdullah Gul (centre) presenting the award to MATRADE's CEO YBhg. Dato' Noharuddin Nordin (right) in Turkey).
The General Chamber of Commerce, Taiwan, awarded MATRADE the Golden Merchant Award in 2008 for being an outstanding foreign commercial office. These awards were also in recognition of the dedication of MATRADE's staff in delivering its services.
Caption: TC With The President of MFTC - Spouses and Chairman of ROCCOC