MATRADE opening doors to Malaysia

Malaysia ranks as one of the world's top trading and exporting nations.

Its global trade volume grew more than seven times in the past decade, from $41.58 billion in 1990 to $305.43 billion in 2006.

For the first five months of 2007, the value of Malaysia's global trade reached $123.68 billion, an increase of 2.8 percent year-on-year. Its major trading partners include the United States, Japan, Singapore, China and its Taiwan Province, and the Republic of Korea.

Malaysia has won wide acclaim for its competitiveness in meeting the world's demand for high quality products and services.

Malaysian exporters are continuously enhancing their expertise in areas such as product development, design and packaging to meet changing consumer market demands.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia's national trade promotion organization, builds strong networks and relationships worldwide - opening doors to global markets for Malaysian entrepreneurs.

It works with industry and focuses on developing a keen insight into their promotional needs, allowing Malaysians to trade with a high level of confidence.

It also works in close partnership with trade support institutions, chambers of commerce and trade-related professional bodies to develop strategies needed to succeed in the global marketplace.

Currently, MATRADE has 34 overseas trade offices around the world and is planning to set up more overseas branch offices to strengthen its networking and promotional activities.

Special emphasis is placed on helping small- and medium- enterprises that have the capacity to contribute to the country's range of quality exports.

MATRADE also assists businesses by providing advisory services, organizing trade promotion activities and training programs, building marketing knowledge and skills and creating networking opportunities for Malaysian exporters.

MATRADE puts forward 10 reasons to trade with Malaysia, which include a diverse range of high quality products and services; reliable suppliers; well-developed trade support facilities; transparent and fair trading regulations; good manufacturing practices; professional business environment; ports with modern facilities; pro-business government policies; and Malaysia's track record as a trading nation.

The trade corporation assists foreign buyers in establishing links with Malaysian suppliers.

The services it provides in this regard include providing information on Malaysian products and services; servicing trade and business enquiries on Malaysian exports; providing trade advisory services on doing business with Malaysia; facilitating buying missions into Malaysia where business meeting with Malaysian exporters are scheduled and factory visits arranged;

It is also dedicated to helping individual buyers visiting Malaysia find suppliers or business partners; and providing information on international trade exhibitions, conventions and other events held in the country.

For inquiries in China, please contact MATRADE offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong SAR and also visit MATRADE's website: www.matrade.gov.my

(China Daily 08/31/2007 page22)