Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is stepping up efforts to support the global expansion of Malaysian exporters, with its 2026 roadmap outlining 203 high-impact trade development and promotion programmes.
MATRADE CEO Abu Bakar Yusof said the programmes aim to strategically empower 13,400 Malaysian companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in the export market, thus reflecting MATRADE’s unwavering commitment to propelling Malaysian brands into the global marketplace, and contributing to sustaining export momentum under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He added that MATRADE remains dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that drives inclusive and sustainable growth for the nation’s economy.
Accordingly, the 2026 strategic roadmap highlights a strong focus on business continuity and human resources development, including strengthening workforce competencies to address emerging global megatrends such as artificial intelligence, as well as challenges arising from tariff impacts and evolving trade dynamics.
In addition, MATRADE will pursue strategic collaborations by deepening public-private partnerships with prominent local and international entities to strengthen the trade and export ecosystem and facilitate global expansion for Malaysian companies, particularly MSMEs.
The agency will also accelerate the national sustainability agenda by expanding the Greening of Export Supply Chain Programme to better prepare MSMEs and exporters for global environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance and disclosure requirements.
Abu Bakar said MATRADE is actively implementing export initiatives in emerging and fast-growing markets, including Latin America, Central and South Asia, West Asia and Africa, while reinforcing trade and export relations with traditional partners such as the US, China, ASEAN and the European Union
Alongside efforts to diversify its partnerships, Malaysia will promote the utilisation of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and facilitate end-to-end digital trade.
During January - November last year, Malaysia’s exports to FTA markets accounted for approximately 67% of the Southeast Asian country’s total exports./.
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