Dubai, UAE — In an effort to assist Malaysian SMEs in their post-pandemic business recovery, three organizations have collaborated, namely the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) and the SME Bank. In addition, 11 companies from multi-sectors in the Export Acceleration Mission to Dubai, United Arab of Emirates (UAE) have participated in the endeavour to assist Malaysian SMEs.

The mission, spanning a week and is held in conjunction with the World Expo 2020 Dubai, aims to provide opportunities for the SMEs to expand their brands’ presence in the market and establish business partnerships with the UAE and its neighbouring countries; the Middle East and North Africa.

Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, chief executive officer for MATRADE, said that the strategic collaboration between MATRADE, MEDAC and SME Bank signifies the importance of synergy within the trade ecosystem in strengthening Malaysia’s trade competitiveness as recommended by the National Trade Blueprint (NTBp).

The NTBp outlines a 5-year development strategy from 2021 to 2025 to enhance Malaysia’s trade competitiveness, specifically in the exports of merchandise. Launched in October 2021 by YAB Prime Minister, the blueprint aims to position Malaysia as a dynamic and pre-eminent trading nation through sustainable export development and promotion.

“MATRADE outlines a total of 286 export promotion and exporters development programmes this year for Malaysian companies to brace themselves in weathering the market demands as well as to expand their global footprints. Therefore, it is crucial that all parties work together to ensure that the programmes produce high-impact outcomes and, ultimately lift export onto a growth trajectory,” Mustafa said.

MATRADE has continuously sought strategic collaborations with various organizations to help implement export-related programmes to create opportunities for the business communities. The corporation encourages Malaysian companies to get in touch via their office, social media channels, or visit the MATRADE website (matrade.gov.my) to better understand the export promotions, assistance, and development programmes.