Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

by StudyMalaysia.com on July 10, 2015 | Other Government Agencies

Introduction

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia¡¦s national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Established in March 1993, MATRADE¡¦s primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters to develop and expand their export markets. Assisted by a network of 40 overseas offices located in major commercial cities around the world, MATRADE provides a wide range of services and assistance to both Malaysian exporters and foreign importers who are sourcing for trade related information.

Vision, Mission and Functions

Vision
Positioning Malaysia as a globally competitive trading nation

Mission
Promoting Malaysia’s enterprises to the world

Functions

To promote, assist and develop Malaysia¡¦s external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semimanufactured products and services
To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia¡¦s export
To undertake commercial intelligence and market research; and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia¡¦s trade
To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters
To enhance and protect Malaysia¡¦s international trade interest abroad
To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade

Services of MATRADE

MATRADE, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, professional bodies and associations, promotes the export of major services sectors such as construction and engineering, education, healthcare, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Among the services provided by MATRADE to Malaysian exporters and foreign importers include:

Trade Information
- MATRADE Publications
  MATRADE produces a wide selection of publications for international and domestic circulation. These include trade directories, exporters¡¦ guidebooks and trade bulletin, as well as findings of MATRADE¡¦s research studies
- MATRADE Online
  MATRADE Online is a computerised database which comprises Stats Online and Biz Info. Stats Online is a Malaysian trade statistics search facility while Biz Info provides information on Malaysian exporters, their products and services, a listing of foreign importers and other trade-related organisations
- Malaysian Exporters Registry
  MATRADE maintains and updates a database of Malaysian exporters comprising manufacturers, traders and service providers. Companies registered with MATRADE are regularly updated on trade opportunities as well as events and activities organised by MATRADE
Trade Promotion
- Overseas Trade Fairs
  MATRADE organises and manages Malaysia¡¦s participation in international trade fairs overseas. It provides assistance in preevent publicity and the scheduling of business meeting with foreign buyers
- Specialised Marketing Missions
  MATRADE organises specialised marketing missions overseas to explore and identify trade opportunities for selected products and services
- Malaysia Trade Centres
  Malaysia Trade Centre (MTC) provides Malaysian exporters the opportunity to showcase their products and services to foreign buyers and visitors to MATRADE overseas offices. MTCs are currently located in Dubai, Johannesburg, Rotterdam and Hong Kong
- Information Booths
  MATRADE sets up information booths in selected trade fairs to disseminate information on Malaysian products and services as well as to display product catalogues of Malaysian companies
Trade Matching
- Inward Buying Missions
  MATRADE overseas offices organise inward buying missions. Individual business meetings with Malaysian businesses are arranged in conjunction with these buying missions
- Trade Enquiries
  MATRADE responds to trade related enquiries from foreign buyers, chambers of commerce, foreign missions in Malaysia as well as business visitors to Malaysia. Trade enquiries are disseminated through its publications and on MATRADE¡¦s website
Export Development
- Training for Export
  MATRADE organises seminars and workshops to nurture new exporters and update existing exporters on trade developments and business opportunities in international markets
- Business Information Centre
  for visitors exploring trade and investment opportunities in Malaysia. It provides information on doing business in Malaysia to foreign business visitors who enter Malaysia through KLIA and arrange meetings with local companies and agencies

Trade Offices Overseas

MATRADE has a network of 40 offices located in leading commercial cities worldwide and assists foreign individuals and companies in the following:

Obtaining accurate and reliable information about Malaysian capabilities as well as on Malaysia¡¦s products and services.
Organising business meetings with Malaysian companies.
Making connections with key decision makers in the public and private sectors in Malaysia.