Latest news with #MalaysiaExternalTradeDevelopmentCorporation
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Business matching exhibition set for next year to boost Malaysia-Cambodia trade ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-Cambodia Business Association (MCBA) yesterday announced that it will host an exhibition next year aimed at boosting trade and investment cooperation between Malaysia and Cambodia. Scheduled for June 2026, the Malaysia–Cambodia Business Matching Exhibition 2026 is expected to attract between 200 and 300 entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from both countries. In addition to encouraging growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverages, logistics, construction, and services, the exhibition aims to promote sustainable business relationships while contributing to Asean economic integration and high-quality regional growth. The announcement was made during MCBA's "Strategic Cooperation Networking & Fellowship Dinner" yesterday, which brought together over 120 guests, including presidents and representatives from 20 strategic partner chambers in Malaysia. Also present were the Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Cambodia in Malaysia, Vith Panhnha, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation representative S. Jai Shanker, and MCBA founding president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw. The dinner marked the first major follow-up event after the successful conclusion of the Malaysia–Cambodia Trade and Investment Mission in June 2025. The aim is to consolidate outcomes and deepen strategic trade and investment cooperation between both countries. "This dinner is not only a valuable platform for engagement but also a testament to our shared commitment to fostering cooperation, strengthening regional synergy, and achieving mutual prosperity," said Yaw. To sustain the momentum, MCBA also announced that it will lead a second high-level delegation to Cambodia from Aug 20 to 23 for a four-day trade mission and business exploration. The delegation will engage with Cambodian ministries, industrial parks, and enterprises to identify new cooperation and investment opportunities for Malaysian companies.
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MCBA announces 2026 exhibition to boost Malaysia-Cambodia business ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-Cambodia Business Association (MCBA) yesterday announced that it will host an exhibition next year aimed at boosting trade and investment cooperation between Malaysia and Cambodia. Scheduled for June 2026, the Malaysia–Cambodia Business Matching Exhibition 2026 is expected to attract between 200 and 300 entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from both countries. In addition to encouraging growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverages, logistics, construction, and services, the exhibition aims to promote sustainable business relationships while contributing to Asean economic integration and high-quality regional growth. The announcement was made during MCBA's "Strategic Cooperation Networking & Fellowship Dinner" yesterday, which brought together over 120 guests, including presidents and representatives from 20 strategic partner chambers in Malaysia. Also present were the Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Cambodia in Malaysia, Vith Panhnha, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation representative S. Jai Shanker, and MCBA founding president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw. The dinner marked the first major follow-up event after the successful conclusion of the Malaysia–Cambodia Trade and Investment Mission in June 2025. The aim is to consolidate outcomes and deepen strategic trade and investment cooperation between both countries. "This dinner is not only a valuable platform for engagement but also a testament to our shared commitment to fostering cooperation, strengthening regional synergy, and achieving mutual prosperity," said Yaw. To sustain the momentum, MCBA also announced that it will lead a second high-level delegation to Cambodia from Aug 20 to 23 for a four-day trade mission and business exploration. The delegation will engage with Cambodian ministries, industrial parks, and enterprises to identify new cooperation and investment opportunities for Malaysian companies.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia positioning itself to become Asean healthcare innovation and trade hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional hub for healthcare innovation and trade, as its medical-related exports continue to climb and strategic opportunities in Asean expand. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy CEO (export acceleration) Mansor Shah Wahid shared Malaysia's progress in healthcare-related exports, stating that in 2024 alone, the country's trade in medical devices and pharmaceuticals hit RM61.31 billion. He noted that medical devices made up 76% of that value, with a 31.6% year-on-year growth, while pharmaceutical exports rose by 4% to RM3.04 billion. 'These figures are not just data points; they reflect the credibility of our regulatory system, the strength of our manufacturers, and the growing trust in made-in-Malaysia products,' Mansor said at the Malaysia Healthcare Day Forum, part of the International Healthcare Week 2025 held recently. He added that Malaysia's export destinations now stretch beyond Asean, with the United States, Germany, Japan and Australia emerging as top markets. Notably, eight of the world's top 30 medical device manufacturers operate in Malaysia, affirming the country's reputation in diagnostics, disposables and implantables. Mansor emphasised that Malaysia's strategic location in the 680-million-strong Asean market, along with its multilingual talent pool and trade agreements, positions it well to capture a larger share of the global medical devices market, which is projected to reach US$695.6 billion (RM2.95 trillion) by 2028. 'In the age of AI disruption, healthcare remains one of the few sectors where human care and judgment are irreplaceable. That's what makes this industry uniquely impactful,' he noted. Expanding on Malaysia's regional positioning, Abdul Halim Mohamed Shariff, deputy director of lifestyle and life sciences at Matrade, delivered a detailed presentation titled 'Malaysia Healthcare Trade Outlook: Trade Opportunities in Asean.' He highlighted that Asean is now the third-largest region globally by population and the fourth-largest in terms of trade volume, creating a highly lucrative landscape for healthcare expansion. 'When incomes rise, healthcare demand grows, not just in quantity but in complexity. This shift is being felt across Asean, especially in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines,' Halim said. He cited the rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes across the region as key factors driving increased healthcare expenditure. Countries like Indonesia, with the highest population in Southeast Asia, and Singapore, with the highest per capita healthcare spending, are leading indicators of the sector's growth. Despite strong exports, Malaysia remains a significant importer of pharmaceutical products, particularly patented and specialty drugs, from Germany, the US and China. Nonetheless, the local pharmaceutical sector fulfils 70% to 80% of domestic demand for generic medications, and the government expects the local pharmaceutical market to reach US$3.5 billion by 2028. According to Halim, prescription drugs dominate the market and are forecasted to reach US$3 billion by 2028, with patented and generic drugs each contributing over US$1.4 billion. Over-the-counter (OTC) products round out the remaining market share. Malaysia's medical device exports remain its most significant healthcare segment, driven largely by the glove industry and supported by other products, such as catheters and electromedical equipment. In 2024, Malaysia's medical device exports reached US$8.7 billion, solidifying its position among the top five manufacturing sites globally, alongside countries such as Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. 'Malaysia is spending more per capita on medical equipment than several larger economies in the region. This shows our strong commitment to innovation and accessibility in medical technology,' said Halim. He added that spending on medical devices and equipment in Malaysia is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%, reaching US$3.64 billion by 2028, surpassing regional counterparts in growth momentum. Countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are also becoming increasingly attractive due to economic development and healthcare reforms. Halim cited Vietnam's accelerated urbanisation as a sign of shifting healthcare expectations and rising demand for better services and infrastructure. 'Every challenge, whether it's ageing populations, financing gaps, or healthcare reform, opens the door to new business models. We're seeing strong growth in healthtech, AI-driven diagnostics, and insurance solutions across Asean,' he said. Mansor and Halim reiterated Matrade's role as a bridge for international buyers and Malaysian exporters, with overseas offices and databases accessible to businesses seeking partners, market data, or regulatory guidance. Matrade's presence at major international expos will continue to anchor Malaysia's brand globally. At the same time, initiatives such as the eTrade Programme and Business Information Centre aim to provide exporters and foreign partners with the tools to navigate cross-border opportunities. 'We encourage foreign players to reach out to our offices worldwide. You could browse the internet, yes, but we offer more than just information. We connect you with vetted partners and real market opportunities,' said Halim. International Healthcare Week 2025, co-organised with Informa Markets, is a testament to Malaysia's ambitions. From showcasing 10 home-grown brands at the Malaysian Pavilion to convening key regulatory and investment bodies, the event reflects a unified effort to position Malaysia as a regional leader in healthcare trade. 'Malaysia is not just an entry point, it's a launchpad for the Asean region,' said Mansor. 'Let us not miss the opportunity to form partnerships that shape lives and businesses far beyond our borders.'
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Matrade records RM120mil in trade prospects from Korea Import Fair debut
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz. KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) recorded over RM120mil in sales at the Korea Import Fair (KIF) 2025, held from 7 to 9 July at COEX, Seoul. This was Malaysia's first participation in the event. In a statement, Matrade said the Malaysia Pavilion featured 12 companies and one government agency, making it the largest national pavilion at the fair. Malaysia's participation was larger than that of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Building on this momentum, Matrade carried out promotional activities such as business matching, digital marketing, live streams with local influencers, and media outreach to raise Malaysia's profile and engage Korean buyers. Matrade said these initiatives led to trade prospects exceeding RM120mil, more than double the RM60mil target. It noted that Korean buyers showed strong interest in Malaysian jewellery, footwear, ICT services, apparel, tropical fruits, and food and beverages, reflecting growing demand for Malaysian products in the market. Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the participation in KIF 2025 is part of the agency's broader strategy to unlock export opportunities through targeted international engagement. He said the encouraging outcomes from this event reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships, focused promotional efforts and tailored business matching in creating new avenues for Malaysian exporters. Mohd Mustafa also highlighted that Matrade's participation in KIF aligns with Malaysia's long-term vision of strengthening regional connectivity and expanding market access in Northeast Asia.
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MATRADE Secures Over RM120 Mln Trade Prospects At Korea Import Fair 2025
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has total trade prospects exceeding RM120 million in Malaysia's inaugural participation at the July 7-9 Korea Import Fair (KIF) 2025. In a statement today, MATRADE said this is more than double its initial target of RM60 million. Malaysia Pavilion showcased 12 companies and one government agency and was the largest national pavilion at the fair. It also implemented a range of targeted promotional initiatives to amplify Malaysia's presence to include business matching sessions with South Korean importers, digital marketing and social media campaigns, live streaming sessions and strategic media engagements. 'The impact of these initiatives was reflected in the strong results recorded. Malaysian products that garnered strong interest from South Korean buyers were jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets, footwear, ICT services, apparel, tropical fruits, and food and beverages,' it said. MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said its participation is part of its broader strategy to unlock export opportunities and outcomes, reaffirming the importance of strategic partnerships, focused promotional efforts and tailored business matching to create new avenues for Malaysian exporters. 'MATRADE's participation in KIF 2025 aligns with Malaysia's long-term vision of strengthening regional connectivity and expanding market access in Northeast Asia,' he added. -- BERNAMA
