Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation is actively rolling out promotional campaigns as part of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021-2025.
These initiatives encompass a range of programs including the Malaysia Services and Halal Go Global (MSHGG) Program, the Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP), and cross-border e-commerce endeavors like eTrade and eBizLink.
These efforts are aimed at amplifying the visibility of Malaysian products on virtual platforms such as Dagang Halal, Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba.
The MSHGG Program is designed to support around 1,200 Malaysian companies annually, with a five-year goal of assisting 6,000 companies to generate RM40 billion in export revenue.
By focusing on strategic sectors like electrical and electronics, aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and halal products and services, the program seeks to broaden the country’s export markets.
Various promotional activities including International Trade Exhibitions, Export Acceleration Missions, and International Sourcing Programmes (INSP) are slated to be conducted throughout 2024 under the MSHGG program.
In tandem, the MTCDP aims to empower local companies with strong global competitiveness, targeting a RM5 billion increase in export value over five years.
The program will extend support to 380 mid-tier companies in manufacturing and service sectors, with revenues ranging from RM50 million to RM500 million.
Leveraging the burgeoning trend of online commerce, MATRADE is implementing eTrade 2.0 and eBizLink programs to facilitate cross-border e-commerce.
Collaborations with local and international platforms like HYT Cross Border, Dagang Halal, JDMas, e-Romman, Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay have already benefitted 1,448 companies, resulting in RM165 million in export sales from markets such as ASEAN, China, USA, Mauritius, and India.
These initiatives align with Malaysia’s comprehensive five-year National Trade Policy Framework (NTPF), aimed at bolstering the nation’s position in international trade.
Strengthening trade facilitation, logistics, standards, market access, and branding are among the key focus areas outlined by the NTPF.
To further expand export markets, MATRADE is intensifying promotional efforts in regions like Africa, where trade potential remains largely untapped.
Despite Africa’s current low contribution to Malaysia’s total trade, initiatives under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) are expected to present significant opportunities for Malaysian businesses.
To capitalise on this potential, MATRADE is planning export promotion programs, including an Export Acceleration Mission to Egypt and Libya in April 2024, and another to South Africa in June 2024.
The upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September 2024 also presents an opportunity to engage with African countries.
MATRADE is actively promoting MIHAS to attract African exhibitors and buyers to participate in the event’s International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
Through coordinated efforts under the National Export Committee (NEC), MATRADE is spearheading various export promotion programs in collaboration with other ministries and agencies.
