MATRADE Annual Report 2020 16 To continuously bridge the network with foreign clients, MATRADE published quarterly e-magazines, Exclusive from Malaysia (EFM), to showcase world-class Malaysian products and services that are innovative, unique or in high demand in overseas markets. The sectors featured in the 2020 issues include construction, business services and building materials, food and beverage, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, as well as machinery, equipment and parts. Recognising the need to reduce the financial burden faced by SMEs, MATRADE expanded the scope of the Market Development Grant (MDG) to cover costs related to participation in virtual trade events as well as cancellations or postponements of trade promotion events caused by travel restrictions. In addition to that, MDG also provided support in the area of logistic costs which rose tremendously due to the pandemic. In 2020, MATRADE continued its customised development programmes to strengthen companies’ competitiveness to penetrate the international market. These initiatives include Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) as well as Bumiputra, Women and Youth Exporters Development (BWYEDP). MATRADE has also continued with the sustainability agenda under the Sustainability Action Values for Exporters (S.A.V.E.) programme, engaging and sharing with companies sustainable values and practices in business. This programme was in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and was aimed at ensuring Malaysian exporters remain relevant in the evolving global supply chain. S.A.V.E. focused on capacity building initiatives to enhance sustainability awareness in business among exporters. Given the importance of export to the Malaysian economy, in 2020, MATRADE embarked on a study to develop the first National Trade Blueprint, outlining strategic priorities for the nation to grow its export competitiveness for 2021-2025. The implementation of the Blueprint will involve collaborative efforts and strong commitment from various stakeholders in the export ecosystem including Ministries, agencies and private sector. Specifically, it addresses areas of concern namely R&D and innovation, technology, human resource, financing, regulation, certification, promotion and branding. The Blueprint is envisioned to elevate the nation’s trade competitiveness and strengthen Malaysia's position as a leading exporting country. Overall, the main purpose of MATRADE in 2020 was to ensure that the Malaysian export community remained connected with overseas clients, updated with the current global trade trends as well as able to sustain the export business despite escalating costs of doing business. Last but not least, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of International Trade and Industry for their cooperation throughout 2020. I would also like to extend special thanks to the Board of Directors and all MATRADE colleagues. Thank you. DATO’ WAN LATIFF WAN MUSA Chief Executive Officer MATRADE
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