MATRADE Ramps Up Efforts to Boost Awareness of Malaysia in France
PARIS, FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 9 (Monday) – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), through its Paris office, recently hosted the Malaysia Breakfast Business Networking Event at MATRADE Paris to enhance understanding of Malaysia’s current economic landscape among French business communities from both the public and private sectors.
Organised in partnership with Business France, the event was held in conjunction with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It provided a platform to strengthen economic ties between Malaysia and France, while highlighting Malaysia’s vibrant business environment and commitment to sustainability.
The event also served as a prelude to Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, during which the country will lead efforts to enhance regional cooperation and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. The event underscored Malaysia’s strategic position in Southeast Asia, its rapidly growing economy, and its role as a leader in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, and green technologies.
MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, emphasised that as the global community increasingly looks to Southeast Asia for market diversification and supply chain solutions, Malaysia stands out with its dynamic economy, multicultural society, and commitment to sustainability. “France, known for its leadership in innovation, high technology, and green energy, plays a pivotal role in supporting Malaysia’s transformation roadmap towards sustainability, especially in achieving the net-zero target by 2050. As Malaysia’s trade promotion organisation, MATRADE will continue to implement action plans guided by the National Trade Blueprint to support our nation’s socio-economic progression,” he said.
MATRADE Paris Trade Commissioner, Zuhaila Sedek, delivered a presentation highlighting Malaysia’s positive economic growth, reflected through upward trends in GDP, external trade, and investment performance. “The French business communities have expressed the need for greater awareness of Malaysia, and this initiative directly addressed French business industry leaders. This is crucial to generating more interest among French businesses in making Malaysia their sourcing hub in Southeast Asia. Following the expansion of MATRADE Paris earlier this year, we have been able to organise various networking and promotional programmes to enhance Malaysia’s country branding here in Paris,” said Zuhaila.
The Ambassador of Malaysia to France, YBhg. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, and the Deputy Managing Director of Business France, Marie-Cécile Tardieu, also addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and France.
The event showcased Malaysian companies including Ge-Shen Corp. Bhd; Green Advantex Sdn Bhd; Heng Hiap Industries; Hovid Bhd; IAQ Technology Sdn Bhd; Rhong Khen International; and Artwist. Rhong Khen and Artwist seized the opportunity to launch their products at the event, marking their expansion into the European market.
According to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia in July 2024, trade with the European Union (EU) accounted for 7.7 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade, rising by 17.5 per cent year-on-year to RM19.81 billion. This growth was driven by a 14.2 per cent increase in exports, which reached RM10.28 billion, fuelled by strong performances in palm oil and palm oil-based products, metal manufactures, and plastics. Imports from the EU also saw significant growth, climbing by 21.3 per cent to RM9.53 billion. Notably, trade with France demonstrated robust expansion, with Malaysia's exports to France surging by more than 46 per cent to RM560 million. However, imports from France slightly declined by 1.4 per cent to RM800 million. France continues to solidify its position as one of Malaysia’s top 10 trading partners within the EU, reflecting the growing importance of bilateral trade relations between the two nations.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, the country is poised to play a pivotal role in driving regional economic integration and sustainability. The Malaysia Breakfast Business Networking Event marked an important step in showcasing Malaysia’s potential and fostering greater economic cooperation with France and beyond.
