MATRADE Redefining Global Healthcare Presence at SEACare 2024
Driving Healthcare Exports: MATRADE-led sourcing programme at SEACare 2024 achieves great success
TUESDAY, 23 APRIL 2024, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (QUBE) had successfully organised the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) in conjunction with SEACare 2024 on 17 April 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). It was the first ever strategic collaboration between MATRADE and the organiser of SEACare who is rebranding the event after more than 20 years of existence.
SEACare 2024 provided a platform for global healthcare and pharmaceutical players to showcase their latest products and innovations while aiming to establish strategic partnerships with local and regional industries. It presented a unique opportunity for local healthcare players to enhance their brand recognition and effectively promote their products and services, particularly to the Southeast Asia market.
Eight international buyers from Thailand, Vietnam, UAE, Zambia, and Zimbabwe participated in the INSPand were matched with 30 Malaysian companies in 95 pre-arranged business meetings. This programme led to potential sales totalling RM28.65 million. Among Malaysian products that received great interests were essential medical supplies like syringes, needles, blood collection tubes and latex-free tourniquets.
This milestone was accomplished thanks to the support of MATRADE trade offices located in Bangkok, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City, Johannesburg and New York which recruited foreign buyers for the programme. The programme’s success solidifies Malaysia's position as a key player in the region for the healthcare industry.
According to MATRADE’s CEO, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, “MATRADE is committed to strengthening Malaysia’s healthcare product exports by enhancing the capability of our industry players. The strategic collaboration with SEACare exemplifies the benefits enjoyed by Malaysian healthcare businesses from such an initiative that helps them increase international sales”.
He added that MATRADE looks forward to spearheading new projects that will not only contribute to the local industry growth but also facilitate industry players to expand their global footprints.
Malaysia's total trade for medical devices and pharmaceuticals rose to reach RM14.08 billion in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, which was RM12.4 billion.
Malaysia's exports of medical devices and pharmaceuticals recorded a 16% growth to RM8.93 billion in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RM7.70 billion in the corresponding period of 2023. Imports, on the other hand were valued at RM5.15 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from RM4.70 billion recorded in 2023.
