Spurring Exports In The New Norm MATRADE Core Purpose 97 01 02 03 04 05 The Going Export (Go-Ex) Programme which began in October 2014 was implemented by MATRADE in collaboration with SME Corp to guide SMEs to penetrate the export market. On 1 July 2019, in line with the decision by the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council (NESDC), the Go-Ex Programme began its full operation by SME Corp. MATRADE continues efforts to assist SME entrepreneurs explore international markets under the Exporters Capacity Building Programme. Taking the lead from Go-Ex Programme, MATRADE continues to work towards developing and empowering SMEs to remain competitive in the international market. The focus is on three main programmes, namely State Government Cooperation, Go-Ex Alumni and Sustainability. a) State Government Cooperation Programme This is an SME exporter development programme based on needs to succeed in exports where selected SME companies work in close collaboration with State Governments and the private sector in targeted states. b) Go-Ex Alumni Programme This programme aims to empower 287 SMEs that have participated in the Go-Ex programme through export related advisory services, dissemination of market intelligence and organisation of export promotion programmes to continually ensure SMEs remain sustainable in the international arena. c) Sustainability Programme With the increasing demand for sustainable products from international markets, MATRADE EXPORTERS CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME has collaborated with several strategic partners in the export ecosystem to benefit SME exporters in their initiatives. The results of this collaboration have successfully increased SMEs' understanding of the importance of sustainability to meet the needs of the export market. Sustainability refers to products or services that are environmentally friendly, free from pollutants and meet green standards and certification. A total of 287 Go-Ex Alumni SMEs have benefited from the Exporters Capacity Building Programme. Six sessions of the Sustainability Programme organised in 2020 were attended by 141 SMEs. MATRADE has also held Outreach Programmes with the State Governments and entrepreneurship agencies in four states namely Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan from 24 - 28 August 2020 and Negeri Sembilan on 13 October 2020. SMEs with capabilities to innovate and commercialise products or services through research and development (R&D) as well as start-ups with potential for exports are given priority to participate in the Exporters Capacity Building Programme. Factory visit in conjunction with the East Coast Outreach Programme
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