Matrade expects strong export performance to continue
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) expects the country’s strong export performance to be maintained moving forward, driven by the global economic recovery and improving domestic economic fundamentals.
According to Matrade chief executive officer Dr Mohd Shahreen Madros, more local businesses should embark on expanding the reach of their products abroad to benefit from Malaysia’s export growth.
“In the last eight months, Malaysia’s trade performance has been phenomenal and we saw double-digit growth during that period. We hope to maintain this commendable export trend.
“Our stellar performance in overall trade was driven by the strengthening global economy and the ability of our industries to grow beyond our borders. Going forward, Matrade aims to increase the competitiveness of homegrown businesses so that they can penetrate into foreign markets and stimulate exports at the same time,” he said.
During the first eight months, Malaysia’s total trade surged by 22.6%, while gross exports grew by 22.2%. Being one of the world’s Top 25 exporting nations, the country recorded a trade surplus of RM60.8bil in the period.
Mohd Shahreen was speaking to StarBiz during Matrade’s corporate visit to Menara Star here yesterday.
The delegation was welcomed by Star Media Group Bhd chief operating officer Datuk Calvin Kan and chief operating officer for content development June Wong.
A host of topics were discussed including the role of the media in disseminating vital information on trade to businesses.
“For Matrade, the media plays a very important role in helping us to reach our stakeholders. We hope that we can work with The Star to convey our plans and initiatives to industry players, as we continuously seek to improve Malaysia’s trade ability and competitiveness,” he said.
The Star is the leading English daily in Malaysia, while The Star Online is the nation’s top English news portal.