MATRADE sees success through its TCTP training programme which recently provided significant training and facilitated exchange of valuable knowledge in trade and promotion for fifteen participants from the African continent.
The Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2023: Trade Promotion for African Countries which was held earlier this month has achieved a remarkable success. TCTP is a tripartite cooperation between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) – a unit under the purview of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This year marks the eighth time that MATRADE is involved in TCTP as a Training Institution since 2013.
TCTP is an initiative implemented under the South-South Cooperation, a technical cooperation for knowledge sharing among developing countries. Participants were selected from key export-oriented African nations such as Algeria, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Two observers from The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), were also present to contribute to the overall learning experience.
MATRADE’s transformational initiatives have positioned the national trade promotion agency as an ideal organisation to assume the responsibility of a Training Institution, setting the standard as a role model for its counterpart from the African continent. The 10-day programme comprised a seminar on Business Opportunities in Africa, briefings and industrial visits, emphasising areas such as trade, investment, digitalisation, sustainability initiatives, property development and infrastructure development.
A sharing session by Malaysian companies which have established a strong presence in the African market was also organised to impart invaluable experience and case studies on challenges, strategies, and best practices to thrive in Africa.
Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of Africa as a continent quoting, “these emerging markets should not be neglected as they provide vast opportunities for Malaysia’s exports”.
According to him, “TCTP 2023 has made a profound impact on all participants, underscoring MATRADE’s exceptional proficiency in event planning and execution. From the seamless selection process to the engaging sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, MATRADE’s organisation of TCTP is a testament to our ability to deliver a world-class experience to all participants”. Datuk Mohd Mustafa added that the programme had not only facilitated valuable business connections but also spotlighted Malaysia’s pivotal role as a global trade and investment hub.
Undersecretary of International Cooperation and Development Division, MOFA, Devrin Jeck, said that, “the participants are part of a diverse network of our MTCP Alumni, a community comprising more than 37,000 civil servants, senior diplomats, and other important figures from 144 countries since the founding of MTCP in 1980”. He added, “participants should reach out to other fellow MTCP Alumni from African countries and beyond to strengthen cooperation and networking”.
In 2022, Malaysia’s exports with Africa expanded by 33.1 per cent to RM40.46 billion from RM30.40 billion recorded in 2021. Main exports to Africa were palm oil & palm oil-based products, petroleum products and processed food. For the first nine months of 2023, Malaysia’s exports to the continent amounted to RM22.90 billion.
Datuk Mohd Mustafa added, “as a dynamic organisation, MATRADE adapts to the challenges in global economy incorporating digitalisation and sustainability elements in its operation”. He highlighted that it is imperative to amplify Malaysia’s trade through diversification into emerging markets such as the African continent.
MATRADE is expected to continue its role as a Training Institution to third countries in the future TCTPs.
