Spurring Exports In The New Norm MATRADE Organisation 15 01 02 03 04 05 MATRADE’s eTRADE programme that was launched in 2004, further assisted Malaysian exporters affected by the movement control orders, to tap into the global market via listings on international and local eCommerce platforms. To continuously provide export opportunities to Malaysian companies during the time when physical trade events were not feasible, MATRADE held its first comprehensive virtual exhibition called the #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition from 1st September to 31st December. The exhibition was organised in conjunction with Malaysia being host for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020. In addition to virtual exhibits, the event featured an immersive business platform that included online business pitching, B2B meetings and webinars. Through this initiative, Malaysian exporters were connected to international buyers arranged by MATRADE’s 46 overseas offices located all over the world. Subsequent to that, the Kuala Lumpur International Aerospace Business Convention (KLIABC) went fully digital in November, complete with livestreaming sessions, interactive panel discussions and seamless expert-led content on-demand. KLIABC 2020 provided a total nexus for world players sourcing for regional expertise in the aerospace industry. MATRADE’s exporters development programmes also leveraged on digital platforms where webinars were organised in place of conventional seminars. Throughout 2020, webinars were organised in collaboration with our overseas offices and partners including Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), The Star, eBay and McKinsey & Co. Among topics covered were market updates, trade promotion strategies, supply chain management and the impact of COVID-19 on business continuity. MATRADE’s National Export Day, a core trade event for exporters was similarly shifted to a virtual format called eNED2020. The three day online programme encompassing high-level discussions, knowledge sharing and trade dialogues brought together more than 2,000 participants from around the world. The strong interest in eNED was an indication that companies were eager to continue their export business despite the ongoing border closures. Market intelligence reports compiled by our overseas offices were disseminated via MyExport, an online application for Malaysian companies registered with MATRADE. MyExport was introduced prior to the onset of the pandemic as digital platforms formed the backbone of the organisation in discharging its services to clients. The reports disseminated via MyExport ensure that companies are updated with the latest market developments, export opportunities and trade policies. MyExport was awarded 2nd runner-up for Best Use of Information Technology at the 2020 World Trade Promotion Awards in Geneva organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC). This award was a testimony to MATRADE’s efforts in utilising digital platforms to keep companies updated with market information more so during the pandemic. In addition, market intelligence reports were also shared with various chambers of commerce, trade associations and agencies for dissemination to their members.
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