Matrade wins WTPO award for best use of IT

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has bagged its first World Trade Promotion Organisations (WTPO) award for “Best Use of Information Technology” on its initiative in organising the virtual edition of the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) last year.

The WTPO awards and conference was organised by International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations.

The ITC collaborates with a national trade promotion organisation (TPO) to host this event every two years.

According to Geneva-based ITC, the digitalisation of Mihas 2021 allowed small and medium enterprise exports in the halal industry to continue growing despite disruptions caused by the pandemic.

“The virtual showcase opened up new markets and made business connections more convenient and cost-effective, it added.

In a statement, Matrade said it was among the four finalists nominated in this category together with TPOS from Austria, Canada and Tanzania.

“The winner for this and other categories, namely, ‘Best Use of a Partnership’ and ‘Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade’ were announced at the 13th World Trade Promotion Organisations Conference and Awards held at Accra in Ghana, on May 17, 2022,” it added.

Matrade CEO Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the recognition by ITC is a resounding testament of Matrade’s capabilities as a worldclass national trade promotion agency.

“The award is a realisation of our aspiration to showcase Malaysia and bring Malaysian exports to greater heights,” he added.

Since helming the organisation as CEO in December 2020, Mustafa has been instrumental in championing the three significant export agendas for Malaysia namely digitalisation, sustainable development, as well as the devised programmes and activities that are aligned with the National Trade Blueprint.

Mustafa explained that both digital business platforms namely integrated trade events platform and single information portal for exports, which are currently being developed would lead to an accelerated adoption of digitalisation.

Meanwhile, Matrade deputy chief executive officer for exporters development Abu Bakar Yusof said the award reflects a comprehensive digitalisation initiative that the agency undertakes and Mihas is the evident.

“Matrade swiftly pivoted to digital platforms to ensure business continuity amid the pandemic,” he added.