Matrade aims 5 pct export annually from Malaysian MTCs

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is calling for Malaysian mid-tier companies (MTCs) to account for five per cent of exports annually until 2021.

Deputy chief executive officer Sharimahton Mat Salleh said although they were only one per cent of business establishments in the country, MTCs accounted for 33 per cent of the gross domestic product and employed 22 per cent of the workforce.

“Matrade is calling for more Malaysian MTCs, particularly the youth-owned and agriculturebased, to be more involved to create more export champions,” she told reporters after the ‘Empowering Young Minds” forum, organised by the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies yesterday.

Sharimahton said local MTCs can prepare themselves for international trade by participating in exporters development programmes such as Matrade’s Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP).

“When they are ready, they can participate in various export

Matrade is calling for more Malaysian MTCs, particularly the youth-owned and agriculture-based, to be more involved to create more export champions. Sharimahton Mat Salleh, Deputy chief executive officer

promotion initiatives to penetrate the market relevant to them.

“We see a lot of potential for agri-businesses to succeed in the global scene, but they must want to be part of the global supply chain first. Strategic collaborations with agencies in both the public and private sectors is crucial to ensure they get the necessary support.

“Apart from that, product clarity in the value proposition must be also given due differentiations and attention,” she added.

The MTCDP is a highimpact, nine-month customised programme for MTCs with an annual revenue of between RM50 million-RM500 million in the manufacturing sector and RM20 million-RM500 million for the services sector.

Currently, 42 MTCs from various sectors are undergoing the diagnostic phase for the MTCDP, where the companies identify their export strategies and go-to market route.

Key elements of the programme include access to export markets, market intelligence and sessions with experts.

Sharimahton said from 2014 to 2017, the MTCDP assisted 173 MTCs from sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), food and beverages( F& B ), building materials and construction, automotive parts and components and plastic products.

“The E&E, F&B and manufacturing sectors are expected to thrive,” she added.

In 2017, MTCs had successfully penetrated 18 new markets through the MTCDP, including the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar. — Bernama