Matrade and SMG ink maiden MOU to boost international trade visibility

KUALA LUMPUR: In efforts to bolster the visibility and impact of Malaysia’s global trade engagements, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) and Star Media Group (SMG) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU), combining expertise and resources from both entities.

This strategic collaboration, which is the first between both parties, aims to enhance Matrade’s trade initiatives while adding new opportunities to its current suite of events and services.

It also aims to enhance media value and provide media coverage to all Malaysian delegates who are part of Matrade’s trade promotion trips.

The MOU was signed by SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and his Matrade counterpart Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz.

It was witnessed by SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang and Matrade deputy chief executive officer (export acceleration) Abu Bakar Yusof.

Overseeing the ceremony was Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

The MOU exemplifies the longstanding collaboration between both entities, with Matrade similarly showing steadfast support for SMG’s initiatives, aimed at promoting Malaysia’s trade industry accomplishments.

This includes the Star Outstanding Business Awards (Soba) and the Export Excellence Awards (EEA), marking their 15th and fifth anniversaries this year respectively.

As the official patron for EEA, Matrade has played an instrumental role in the development of the awards with its contribution of eminent representatives, content and meaningful feedback over the years.

Matrade also helps to judge the awards and provides education to participants on the potential of the international market.

These collective initiatives underscore the collaborative efforts to elevate and recognise achievements within Malaysia’s trade sector.

This collaboration establishes SMG as Matrade’s official media partner, encompassing a diverse range of initiatives such as mission trips, trade fairs and large-scale projects.

From export acceleration missions in Asia and Africa to trade exhibitions in Europe and the Middle East, Matrade’s global outreach and strategic trade initiatives will continue to expand in 2024 with a diverse array of mission trips and trade fairs slated across various countries.

For large-scale ventures, the inaugural Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) trade exhibition in Dubai, is set to unfold within the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo from Nov 18 to 20 this year.

With a targeted sales goal of RM1bil, this event underscores Matrade’s commitment to the halal industry’s global prominence.

Additionally, Mihas Kuala Lumpur, the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) and the Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) also mark crucial milestones for Matrade’s and SMG’s collaborative efforts, cementing both organisations’ dedication to enhancing trade relations and fostering strategic alliances.

For further information on Matrade’s upcoming events and trade opportunities, please

visit matrade.gov.my.