KUCHING: Sarawak small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are called on to take advantage of the 150 trade promotion programmes which Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is participating in this year as it aims to boost Malaysia’s exports in 2016.
The work programme has been developed by taking into consideration the global economic performance, the implementation of 11th Malaysia Plan and iniitatives laid out by the National Export Council (NEC).
According to Matrade Sarawak director Leany Mokhtar, NEC targets for exports to grow 4.6 per cent per annum, amounting to RM974.6 billion for merchandise as well as RM195.89 billion for services by 2020.
“Apart from products, we are looking into the services sector as well, to generate higher contribution by services for 2020,” she said during a media engagement yesterday, adding that for services, Malaysia is reaching 23 per cent by 2020 from the current 19 per cent.
Leany revealed that the strategic orientations in the Work Programme 2016 are based on these elements – increasing responsiveness to market dynamics, partnering industries in the deliberation of trade promotion activities, building export capacity especially in the areas of SMEs development, enhancing the competitive advantage of companies in export markets, leveraging on e-commerce platforms and focusing on high value sectors such as oil and gas (O&G), aerospace, martime and MRO, medical electrical and electronic (E&E), construction and professional services.
“Complementing these, we will also be organising more programmes in Malaysia, via, our signature events,” she added.
According to a statement, the 150 programmes comprise of trade promotion activities and exporters development programmes.
Trade promotion programmes will take place in 35 countries around Asia, Europe, Americas and the Middle East. Of the programmes, 59 per cent is centred around Asia, with strong focus on Asean, Europe (13 per cent), Middle East (13 per cent), Americas (4.7 per cent) and Africa (3.5 per cent).
Source - http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/01/14/take-part-in-trade-promo-programmes/