Latest news with #MATRADE

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
MATRADE Supports RM2.09 Trillion Export Target By 2030
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) supports the country's gross export growth target, averaging 5.8 per cent annually, to reach RM2.09 trillion by 2030. In a statement today, it said it will continue to play a strategic role in expanding global trade networks and intensifying export promotion in high-impact sectors aligned with MADANI economic principles. MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the agency's initiatives will be coordinated to support the government's aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). "Priority will be given to strengthening the nation's export competitiveness by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exploring new markets, enhancing product innovation, and adapting to an increasingly complex and challenging global trade landscape by embracing digital and sustainable business models." "These efforts align with the 13MP's aspirations, which emphasise the importance of driving economic growth via increasing exports, strengthening economic inclusivity, and incorporating technology and innovation in strategic sectors," he said. Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the export promotion programme focuses on key sectors such as electrical and electronic goods, halal, digital, agriculture, franchised products, and services. "These efforts also leverage MATRADE's network of overseas offices to help Malaysian companies effectively foray into international markets," he added. According to MATRADE, expanding export matching programmes, foreign market guidance, and the provision of capacity-building programmes such as seminars, workshops, and related courses will be implemented for MSMEs. It will also take strategic steps in planning export development and promotion programmes that align with government aspirations, particularly in developing high-growth, high-value industries. These include the electrical and electronics sector, games and digital animation, halal products, modern agriculture, global services and franchising.


The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Matrade supports RM2.09 trillion export target by 2030
Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) supports the country's gross export growth target, averaging 5.8 per cent annually, to reach RM2.09 trillion by 2030. In a statement today, it said it will continue to play a strategic role in expanding global trade networks and intensifying export promotion in high-impact sectors aligned with MADANI economic principles. MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the agency's initiatives will be coordinated to support the government's aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). "Priority will be given to strengthening the nation's export competitiveness by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exploring new markets, enhancing product innovation, and adapting to an increasingly complex and challenging global trade landscape by embracing digital and sustainable business models." "These efforts align with the 13MP's aspirations, which emphasise the importance of driving economic growth via increasing exports, strengthening economic inclusivity, and incorporating technology and innovation in strategic sectors," he said. Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the export promotion programme focuses on key sectors such as electrical and electronic goods, halal, digital, agriculture, franchised products, and services. "These efforts also leverage MATRADE's network of overseas offices to help Malaysian companies effectively foray into international markets," he added. According to MATRADE, expanding export matching programmes, foreign market guidance, and the provision of capacity-building programmes such as seminars, workshops, and related courses will be implemented for MSMEs. It will also take strategic steps in planning export development and promotion programmes that align with government aspirations, particularly in developing high-growth, high-value industries. These include the electrical and electronics sector, games and digital animation, halal products, modern agriculture, global services and franchising. "MATRADE will focus on exploring new high-potential markets such as South America, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, involving more participation in free trade agreements, business matching programmes and export acceleration missions. "The introduction of the National Trade Blueprint 2.0 will serve as a new strategic roadmap document to coordinate policies, enhance implementation efficiency, and strengthen the export ecosystem," he said. - Bernama


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MITI, MATRADE launch AOSD 2025 to power Asean digital trade
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) have officially announced the return of the Asean Online Sales Day (AOSD 2025), kicking off tomorrow for a three-day run aimed at unlocking the full potential of Southeast Asia's fast-growing digital economy. Running from Aug 8 to 10, AOSD 2025 is positioned as a strategic regional initiative that connects consumers across Asean with thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local producers, and top e-commerce platforms. The event is now recognised as a flagship campaign to promote cross-border digital trade and economic integration within the 10-nation bloc. As Southeast Asia's digital economy continues to accelerate, AOSD 2025 is set to reaffirm Malaysia's leadership in digital trade and strengthen regional ties through commerce, innovation, and collaboration. According to the Google–Temasek e-Conomy SEA 2024 report, Southeast Asia's digital economy surged to US$263 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2024, growing 15 per cent year-on-year. A key highlight is the rise of video commerce, which now represents 20 per cent of total e-commerce GMV, up sharply from under 5 per cent in 2022 – demonstrating how innovation is reshaping digital retail experiences. AOSD is more than just a sales event, said Mansor Shah Wahid, deputy chief executive officer (exporters development), MATRADE. "It is a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity and the immense opportunities of our single digital market," he said in a statement. Past editions of AOSD have proven to be transformative for SMEs, helping them scale regionally and compete in the digital marketplace with agility and confidence. As Asean Task Force Chair for 2025, Malaysia – through MITI and MATRADE – is placing strong emphasis on enabling SMEs to adopt digital strategies, scale up their online footprint, and tap into the broader Asean consumer base of 660 million people. First launched in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AOSD has since grown into a symbol of Asean's collective strength in building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy. Regional governments, major e-commerce players, and thousands of businesses across all member states support the event. This year's edition will once again provide SMEs with an invaluable opportunity to boost visibility through AOSD-branded campaigns, connect directly with consumers across Asean, and drive sales through exclusive promotions and regional outreach. AOSD also fosters regional connectivity and cultural exchange, offering a curated showcase of food, fashion, tech, and lifestyle products that reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of Asean. Shoppers can expect exclusive AOSD-branded offers for easy deal identification, authentic products from across Asean, including homegrown Malaysian brands, and special promotions via participating webstores and e-commerce platforms.


The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia approves RM11.62 bln in furniture projects as of March 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,533 furniture projects worth RM11.62 billion have been approved as of March this year, according to Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong. He revealed that 62% of these investments were domestic, while 38% came from foreign sources. The government continues to support the industry through the Market Development Grant (MDG), administered by MATRADE. Eligible companies receive RM25,000 for overseas trade promotions and RM5,000 for local events. Liew noted that 314 furniture firms have benefited from the MDG, with 4,148 applications approved—the highest among all sectors. 'From January 2021 to July 2025, MDG-assisted furniture companies generated RM1.46 billion in export sales,' he said during a Dewan Rakyat session. The grants disbursed to the sector total RM12.25 million. Addressing concerns about foreign competition, Liew stated that while Malaysia imposes no restrictions on furniture sector investments, MIDA will no longer actively encourage foreign participation, particularly in labour-intensive projects. 'Malaysia's furniture industry is already globally competitive, and we aim to prioritise local growth,' he added. - Bernama


The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Felda MD2 pineapples reach global markets, boosting settler incomes
KUALA LUMPUR: The Felda Settlers Development Programme (PPP) for MD2 pineapple cultivation has marked a significant achievement by entering international markets, directly benefiting 3,730 settlers across nine Felda schemes. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican highlighted Felda's expanding role beyond oil palm, stating, 'Felda has demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting rural communities through various high-impact projects like this, which are not solely focused on primary crops but also alternative ones that provide direct benefits to settlers and local communities.' The flag-off ceremony for the export of Felda's PPP produce was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), with MATRADE senior board member Datuk Hazimah Zainuddin representing Reezal Merican. The PPP, a collaboration with Agrobank since 2021, covers 222 hectares in Felda schemes like Besout, Keratong, and Lembah Klau, with 10 million pineapples planted. Harvests are sold domestically at Village Grocer, Giant, and AEON Jusco, while exports reach the Middle East, Japan, and China. Trade value from MD2 pineapples and suckers has hit RM4.9 million in three years, with projections of RM18.5 million in five years. Aqina Fruits, the project operator, has engaged 40 descendants of settlers as staff, integrating modern farming techniques like IoT-based automation and drone technology. Aqina Fruits executive director Wesley Tan Seah Ging noted, 'This platform not only empowers settlers socioeconomically but also includes education, technical skills, and entrepreneurship.' - Bernama