The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (MATRADE) longstanding efforts to strengthen the global presence of the local rail industry have yielded strong results through its first-ever participation in InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin, Germany held from 24–27 September, 2024.
The Malaysian Pavilion at the trade fair, which saw the participation of eight Malaysian companies and one rail association, generated sales totalling RM277.7 million through 112 business meetings facilitated by MATRADE. Additionally, Malaysian companies managed to secure 192 trade enquiries during this event.
InnoTrans, the world’s largest trade fair for transport technology, set several records at its 14th edition, featuring participation from 2,940 exhibitors across 59 countries, including Malaysia, showcasing their latest products and services in the rail sector.
The event features five key segments: Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction, with innovations ranging from battery and fuel cell-powered locomotives to AI-based algorithms for timetabling and barrier-free access to mainline trains.
These Malaysian exhibitors who participated in InnoTrans 2024 showcased their capabilities in rolling-stock engineering and design services, infrastructure and construction services, precision manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and consultancy services.
Local companies seeking to engage with Germany’s railway sector should align their strategies with the country’s focus on climate change and sustainability. Germany is making significant investment in modernising and greening its rail infrastructure as part of its decarbonisation goals under the EU Green Deal. Germany is currently pushing to modernise its railway sector in line with the European Union’s broader European Green Deal, which emphasises sustainable and carbon-neutral transport by 2050.
In particular, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a transformative force in the rail industry presents a valuable opportunity for Malaysian companies specialising in smart rail solutions, digitalisation, energy-efficient systems and AI in shaping the future of rail.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Mr Abu Bakar Yusof, noted that Malaysia’s rail exports from January to August 2024 maintained their upward trajectory, recording a 47% increase to RM471.6 million compared to RM320.9 million during the same period in 2023.
The European Union (EU), Malaysia’s fifth-largest export destination for rail products in 2023, witnessed a significant rise in exports, underscoring the growing demand for Malaysian rail solutions in the region. In 2023, rail exports to the EU surged by 82.5%, reaching RM12.3 million, up from RM6.7 million in the previous year.
According to the Deputy CEO, MATRADE aims to integrate Malaysian companies into the international rail supply chain, further solidifying the nation’s presence in this high-value industry and driving sustained growth for the sector.
