Its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Wong Lai Sum said as an oil producing country, Malaysia will not be affected by the current scenario although certain industries like plastics and petrochemicals which use oil as feedstock would be more competitive.
“It is a double-edged sword, cheaper feedstock will drive the industry to grow further,” she said.
Wong said Matrade will organise 116 trade promotions to 46 countries this year, up from 108 missions last year.
“Last year we performed well and generated RM27.7 billion in sales from trade promotion activities.
“As for 2015, we should go forward, embark on new markets and go deeper into the markets,” she said at a question and answer session after a briefing on Matrade’s trade promotion activities for 2015 here today.
She stressed the importance for Malaysian companies to collaborate with international players and sustain their presence in the international supply chain.
“We also must be aware of global economic trends over the next six months,” she said, adding Matrade is placing greater emphasis on more focused programmes in the Asean region.
The agency is set to intensify the promotion of the services sector by concentrating on high-growth tradable services in industries covering healthcare, education, construction, design and engineering works as well as information and communications technology (ICT) where there is potential.
— BERNAMA
