Matrade to champion Malaysian expertise in rail industry

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) aims to champion Malaysian expertise in the rail industry by encouraging Malaysian companies to explore opportunities in the German market.

The German railway sector presents promising prospects for Malaysian firms in the areas of power supply, signalling technology, rolling stock, track technology, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and remanufacturing.

Malaysia’s trade with Germany reached RM47.8 million last year, a 25 per cent rise from the year before.

To showcase Malaysia’s vibrant rail industry and its latest innovations, Matrade is organising a delegation to InnoTrans 2024, a premier trade fair for transport technology.

Scheduled between Sept 24 to 27 in Berlin, Germany, the event serves as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to delve into the latest trends and advancements in rail transport.

Matrade deputy chief executive officer (export acceleration) Abu Bakar Yusof emphasised the agency’s commitment to driving technological progress and sustainability in the global rail sector.

“Matrade is poised to demonstrate its commitment to driving technological advancements and sustainable solutions in the global rail sector by sending a strong delegation that includes key players in the industry, government agencies and trade associations.

“One of the distinguishing features of Malaysia’s rail industry is its emphasis on sustainability. Embracing green technologies and implementing eco-friendly practices highlights Malaysia’s commitment as the nation is poised to become among the regional and global leaders in railway infrastructure development.

“These efforts align with Matrade’s initiative in facilitating Malaysian exporters to embrace and adopt sustainability and eventually contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.”

Malaysia experienced a significant increase in international rail commerce last year, with a double-digit gain of 14.3 per cent to RM1.3 billion.

Matrade is in a good position to take advantage of this upward trajectory by increasing rail product and service exports, leveraging the post-Covid-19 pandemic worldwide interest in rail transportation that has returned.

Malaysian rail exports comprising cargo containers, rolling stock, railroad parts and signaling devices are examples of notable export goods to other countries that totalled RM547.2 million, with the top five destinations being the United States, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taiwan.

Matrade’s trade commissioner in Frankfurt Mohamad Termizi Piee underlined Malaysia’s dedication to achieving its challenging 2030 railway system goals.

These goals, which represent Malaysia’s proactive approach to developing a resilient and forward-thinking rail business, include modernising infrastructure, improving services and promoting sustainability.