Showcasing M’sia’s economic transformation

KUALA LUMPUR: As a major trading nation, Malaysia must be able to tell its economic history to Malaysians and foreigners in a lucid way.

One place that does it well is the Trade Museum located at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

During the Deepavali week, I was in Malaysia and had the opportunity to visit the Matrade headquarters and some place of interest in the country.

It’s a long story of Malaysia’s transformation from being an attractive entrepot to a source of natural resources to becoming a modern manufacturing hub. But you quickly become familiar with it as you read the concise notes and view the articles displayed at the museum. With the share of exports in Malaysia’s gross domestic products (GDP) being high, the role of Matrade, the promotion arm of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, in maintaining the country’s competitiveness cannot be overemphasised.

Attending meetings in swanky towers and participating in international exhibitions would tell you little about the earthy beginnings of Malaysia’s economic past.

To get a glimpse into that past a visit to the trade museum, located in the Menara Matrade on Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, can be very useful. You will come across portraits representing the erstwhile Arab, Indian, Chinese and Malay traders.

Each enjoyed absolute advantage in certain products or possessed unique resources and strengths in securing tradable commodities.

Barter trade in Malaya happened in the early days between inland and coastal communities that exchanged shells for forest produce. Then came maritime trade that brought metal products.

Various European and Asian merchants used their distinct maritime vessels for carrying goods as well as in projecting power. Associated with trade were also unwelcome colonialism, wars and tussles for power. Spice trade is often linked with many colonial influences that have reshaped the world.