Its chairman Datuk Noraini Ahmad said among the programmes and initiatives was ‘Go-Ex’ programme and development programmes for mid-level companies.
“Both initiatives involve specific assistance programmes structured according to the participating companies’ abilities to increase their export skills.
“Apart from that, the e-trade programme aims to help and encourage local companies to use e-commerce platform to promote their products and services to the global market.
“In addition, the young exporters development programme is specifically for young entrepreneurs in a bid to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs who are capable of penetrating the export market,” she said to reporters after the launch of ‘MATRADE Exporters Forum 2014’ by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan here Tuesday.
Besides that, Noraini said MATRADE still provides special programmes such as the Bumiputera Exporters Development Programme, a comprehensive plan involving leadership, training and participation in exhibitions and marketing mission at the international level.
The corporation also provides a special programme for women entrepreneurs – Women Exporters Development Programme.
Towards this end, she urged entrepreneurs in the country to capitalise on opportunities and examine the role played by MATRADE and other related agencies in assisting companies that are interested to expand their market overseas.
Last year, MATRADE provided services to more than 11,000 export companies nationwide, she said.
“MATRADE will continue to cooperate with local companies to increase their capabilities, expand and strengthen business networking at the international level,” she said.
“As an agency responsible for growing the nation’s exports, MATRADE provides various activities, information as well as facilities to guide and assist companies to penetrate foreign markets.
“This year MATRADE organises some 147 export promotion activities involving 436 markets in 20 sectors. Among the sectors are food, lifestyle, construction materials, franchise, oil and gas, electrical and electronics, transportation, halal, healthcare, information and communications technology and logistics,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mohamad urged more companies in Negeri Sembilan to come forward and register with MATRADE to enable them to enjoy the benefits and assistance that are provided.
He said to date only 221 companies from the state were registered with MATRADE, and there was ample room for companies to be involved in the export sector.
“I was made to understand that in this forum there are several companies from this state that will share their experience in exporting their products and services to foreign markets via the assistance given by MATRADE. I hope entrepreneurs can benefit from their success factors,” he said.
The Exporters Forum is aimed at encouraging local companies expand their business at the global level.
It is also a platform to get feedback from entrepreneurs and exporters to identify problems and current issues faced by local businesses with regard to international trade management.
— BERNAMA
