Newly minted CEO at Matrade, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz is not waiting much time in giving local companies a head start in 2021, with the export market operating with one arm tied behind its back, Matrade will do all it can to ramp up exposure for its exporters.
The wholly owned MITI agency has plans to engage with 13,000 Malaysian companies in 2021 through its Exporters Development (ED) and Export Promotion (EP) programmes, curated in order to build local companies to become more resilient in the global stage.
MATRADE has outlined 334 programmes in 2021, 277 of which are ED and 57 are EP. The programmes are focused on the creation of more export champions in high-value sectors, the utilisation of digital platforms, inclusiveness, tapping on current market trends and forging strategic collaborations. The ED programmes, in particular, focus on equipping companies with the skills to develop a strategic advantage and promotes the values of sustainability as stipulated in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Mustafa, MATRADE will focus on helping Malaysian companies to penetrate international markets during these challenging times. In addition to providing updated market insights, it will virtually link foreign buyers with Malaysian companies through its 46 overseas offices worldwide.
Given the challenging state of the global economy as the National Trade Promotion Agency, it will ensure the competitive edge of Malaysian companies by empowering them with the right knowledge and market intelligence.
“The Year 2021 will see MATRADE doubling its efforts in engaging with digital tools to provide more business opportunities for Malaysian companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs). This will be carried out through strategic engagements with the Public and Private sector in Malaysia and abroad to identify new export opportunities in both conventional and emerging sectors,” Mustafa said.
Most of 2020 events which were held back, will be relooked for in 2021 maintaining its signature seminars and conferences – namely National Export Day (NED). Focus next year will be more on driving Malaysian SMEs and MTCs to be more prepared in areas such as Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
2021 EP programmes will focus on Malaysia’s key export sectors such as Food & Beverages, Services, Building Materials, Lifestyle, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Machinery & Equipment, Medical & Pharmaceutical, among others. Just over half (32 programmes) from EP will be held in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies namely Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Vietnam as well as Malaysia.
In addition to the roster of ED and EP programmes, MATRADE will be organising the 17th edition of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from 9 – 12 September 2021.
