Strengthening Sarawak's export ecosystem
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Export Day 2025, held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching, concluded with the participation of nearly 300 entrepreneurs and industry players from across the state, reflecting the government's strong commitment to advancing the state's export agenda.
This programme was jointly organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Sarawak state government through its International Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry (Mintred).
The event also received support from strategic partners such as Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd, Exim Bank and Capital Markets Malaysia.
Sarawak Export Day is part of Matrade's ongoing initiative to raise awareness and build the export capabilities of local companies, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, to penetrate international markets.
The official launch was officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Premier and Mintred Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Also in attendance were Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Matrade board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah.
In conjunction with the programme, two local companies were recognised under Matrade's programme with the Sarawak Best Exporter Award.
Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd, a producer of Sarawak layer cakes and biscuits, was awarded Best Exporter in the MSME Category, while Tuong Aik Shipyard Sdn Bhd, a shipbuilding and repair engineering company, received the award in the Mid-Tier Company (MTC) Category.
'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' said Reezal Merican.
According to Reezal Merican, the organisation of such programmes reflects the Federal Government's strong commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient export ecosystem.
He noted that Sarawak is now on a solid path toward export development, with growing participation of companies in Matrade's programmes.
'Sarawak has high export potential. We are seeing increased participation by companies in Matrade's export development programmes and this must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs in the state can compete globally,' he added.
Reezal Merican also emphasised that Matrade will continue to serve as a facilitator for exporters through business matching initiatives, export promotion and capacity building.
'From 2024 to May 2025, a total of 382 companies from Sarawak were supported under Matrade's export development and promotion programmes, generating nearly RM1bil in export value,' he added.
The state-level Export Day serves as an important platform to strengthen public-private collaboration in driving export growth.
Key activities over the two days included engagement sessions, business matching, export clinics and technical briefings involving government agencies and financial institutions.
Following Sarawak, Matrade will continue its Export Day series in other states, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, scheduled for August 2025. This effort is part of a national initiative to broaden local companies' participation in global markets while supporting the country's export growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
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