Latest news with #MohdMustafa
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Matrade records RM120mil in trade prospects from Korea Import Fair debut
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz. KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) recorded over RM120mil in sales at the Korea Import Fair (KIF) 2025, held from 7 to 9 July at COEX, Seoul. This was Malaysia's first participation in the event. In a statement, Matrade said the Malaysia Pavilion featured 12 companies and one government agency, making it the largest national pavilion at the fair. Malaysia's participation was larger than that of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Building on this momentum, Matrade carried out promotional activities such as business matching, digital marketing, live streams with local influencers, and media outreach to raise Malaysia's profile and engage Korean buyers. Matrade said these initiatives led to trade prospects exceeding RM120mil, more than double the RM60mil target. It noted that Korean buyers showed strong interest in Malaysian jewellery, footwear, ICT services, apparel, tropical fruits, and food and beverages, reflecting growing demand for Malaysian products in the market. Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the participation in KIF 2025 is part of the agency's broader strategy to unlock export opportunities through targeted international engagement. He said the encouraging outcomes from this event reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships, focused promotional efforts and tailored business matching in creating new avenues for Malaysian exporters. Mohd Mustafa also highlighted that Matrade's participation in KIF aligns with Malaysia's long-term vision of strengthening regional connectivity and expanding market access in Northeast Asia.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Matrade champions benchmarking initiative in Kedah
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is strengthening efforts to boost global competitiveness among Malaysian exporters in the northern region through structured benchmarking programmes focused on enhancing organisational capabilities and industry best practices. In a statement, Matrade said that in today's competitive global market, exporters must move beyond compliance and cost efficiency by embracing innovation, operational excellence, and international standards. Its benchmarking initiatives help local companies measure performance against global peers, identify gaps, and adopt world-class strategies for sustainable growth. Matrade, in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting Malaysia, organised the benchmarking programme with over 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from diverse industries. The programme serves as both a learning platform and a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and alignment with global market expectations, offering participants tailored insights, expert guidance, and industry networking. Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz emphasised that competitiveness is no longer optional but essential, noting that exporters must be agile, efficient, and customer-centric to succeed in today's global market. 'This programme supports the northern region MSMEs in boosting productivity, building strong brands, and expanding global market access. For Kedah-based exporters, this is a vital step toward moving up the value chain, achieving long-term and sustainable growth,' he said in the statement. Mohd Mustafa highlighted that several northern-based mid-tier companies, including Golden Fresh, Respack, Century, and Jin Bin Corporation, have achieved outstanding results by embracing global competitiveness. He said these companies have elevated their products to world-class standards through continuous innovation and bold international expansion, successfully entering new markets across continents and strengthening their global brand presence. The Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) is Matrade's flagship initiative launched in 2014 to support export-ready companies with strong growth potential. To date, 370 MTCs have benefited from the programme of which seven of them are based in Kedah. The participating companies have reported significant improvements in operational efficiency, market expansion, and global brand recognition as a direct result of Matrade's facilitation under MTCDP. Matrade will continue expanding its regional outreach to ensure companies in states such as Kedah are not left behind in Malaysia's journey towards becoming a competitive, export-driven economy. For more information, email Matrade at midtier@
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Matrade targets RM13bil potential trade, investments at Expo 2025 Osaka
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) aims to unlock RM13 billion worth of potential trade and investments through its participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said MATRADE, through the Business Programme at the Malaysia Pavilion, helps local companies enter new markets and create impactful connections to boost investments, while showcasing Malaysia's strengths in key growth sectors. Anchored by the pavilion's theme, "Weaving a Future in Harmony" and aligned with the expo's vision to "Design Future Society for Our Lives", he said MATRADE's strategy reflects a forward-looking approach that connects trade with the forces shaping the future. "In this vision, trade is not separate from innovation or sustainability but part of an interconnected system, so linking people, technology and purpose positions Malaysia as a confident and collaborative contributor to shared global prosperity," he said in a statement. Mohd Mustafa said that MATRADE's role has evolved beyond conventional trade promotion, as relying solely on product showcases and buyer introductions is no longer sufficient in today's dynamic market environment. Hence, he said MATRADE's Business Programme embraces a more strategic approach, as global value chains evolve under the pressure of technology and geopolitics. "Through curated engagements such as sector-specific business matching, thematic seminars, and targeted pitching sessions, the initiative is designed to build meaningful, long-term partnerships. "With over 270 meetings held in the first month alone and RM488.88 million in sales secured, it demonstrates the impact of a more purposeful, value-led model of engagement," he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Mustafa said Malaysia's participation at Expo 2025 Osaka comes at a strategically meaningful moment, a point where national ambition meets regional leadership. He said MATRADE's approach supports key economic plans like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Trade Blueprint, aiming to boost innovation, trade competitiveness, and promote high-value exports. This momentum is further amplified by Malaysia's current role as Asean chair in 2025, positioning the country as a unifying voice for regional integration and inclusive growth, he added. "As the sole agency driving the business programme, MATRADE is not merely showcasing Malaysian companies, but actively shaping their strategic positioning in line with broader national and regional ambitions. "This includes facilitating direct access to key Japanese and global players, particularly in high-potential sectors such as halal, electrical and electronics, green technology, and life sciences," he said. These engagements form part of a long-term national mission to establish Malaysia as a trusted, innovation-driven trade hub at the heart of the Asia-Pacific. Mohd Mustafa also emphasised that Expo 2025 Osaka is an opportunity for global collaboration in future-forward ideas, with the Malaysia Pavilion reflecting this through its focus on innovation and inclusiveness. He said the expo also offers a timely and symbolic platform to amplify Malaysia's regional voice, strengthen Asean ties, and build momentum for a more resilient and connected global economy. "Malaysia's economic journey has long been defined by adaptation and ambition, from manufacturing excellence to digital transformation," he said. Today, as the global economy pivots toward sustainability and innovation, Malaysia's trade diplomacy, led by MATRADE, is evolving in step with these shifts. Hence, the Business Programme at Expo 2025 Osaka signals more than presence; it signals intent to collaborate, lead, and unlock the next wave of high-impact trade opportunities, said MATRADE.
