KUCHING: It is hoped that more Sarawakian businesses will participate in export development programmes and export promotion activities organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
In saying this, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah added that he was glad that Matrade had come up with expanded scopes of export incentives and exporter development programmes.
“This is to ramp up assistance to exporters at various stages of their export journey and to help build export capabilities.
“These initiatives involve structured assistance programmes that aim to develop and grow the export competencies of Malaysian exporters. Such export incentive programmes have benefitted a lot of Malaysian companies, including Sarawakian exporters.”
He urged Sarawakian businesses to approach Matrade, especially its Kuching office, in order to seek guidance and assistance.
Mohammad Medan, who is also a board member of Matrade, said this when delivering the keynote address during a webinar entitled ‘Export Incentives and Exporters Development Programme by Matrade’ organised by Matrade via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday (Nov 16).
He said in the years ahead, Matrade would continue to support overseas expansion plans by establishing relevant business connections and developing firm-level capabilities.
“With a presence in more than 40 cities worldwide, Matrade can be your partner as you seek out new market opportunities.
“As an agency promoting international trade and exports, Matrade will continue to engage all manufacturers, traders, and members of the business community in Sarawak to guide and grow their businesses globally.”
Highlighting the promising trends in Malaysia’s trade performance this year, he congratulated the Malaysian business community for their resilience and tireless efforts in promoting Malaysia’s products and services overseas despite the numerous challenges faced during this Covid-19 crisis.
“I am confident that the strong partnership between the government and the business sector will continue to enable us to navigate and overcome the economic difficulties.
“We shall continue to work hand-in-hand to sustain and intensify the good work that we have embarked on over the past years.”
Meanwhile, Matrade deputy CEO (Exporters Development) Abu Bakar Yusof mentioned the various export incentives offered by Matrade to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including Market Development Grant (MDG), Services Export Fund (SEF), and eTrade Programme.
He said Matrade also offered programmes such as Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP) and Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP), which focused on nurturing and increasing the number of Malaysian companies in export business.
“We do hope that more micro, small, and medium enterprises in Sarawak will come forward to participate in Matrade’s export assistance and development programmes.”
He also pointed out that Matrade had been leveraging on digital platforms in organising online events, trainings, and meetings.
“Since January this year, a total of 40 live webinars have been organised by Matrade. Due to travel restrictions imposed by most countries since last year, Matrade has also embarked on the virtual business meeting arrangement, known eBizMatch programme, for foreign buyers and Malaysian companies.
“As at the end of October this year, 1,651 online business matchings have been arranged between 1,060 Malaysian exporters and 877 foreign importers.”
